Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Reflecting Light - Oil Painting Study


Reflections on White

Another quick two hour study. Normally I try to make my color and values as accurate as possible, only emphasizing them when I think an area needs enhancing or toning them down where required. I keep my brushstrokes quite controlled and not overtly visible but as I do more of these studies I see how making the the marks big and bold is simply another measure of control as is manipulating the color. Brushstroke placement, thickness and direction are even more important when they're large and bold because they are so very visible. One ill placed mark and you've got a bulls eye on your painting. I'd love to do one of these every day but illustration and commissions have to have their share of the time too.

4 comments:

Deltra Powney said...

Beautiful study. I am drawn to distinctive brush strokes in paintings and try to achieve this in my own work. It is not easy, but you have certainly achieved it here.

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

Such a simple composition, but so beautifully rendered...you are a master
Ronell

Karen Appleton said...

Hey Cindy, thanks for the comment!

I LOVE these new fast studies you've been doing. They are just beautiful ... the brush work, color and captured light are all fantastic! I can't wait to see more.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

love the colors here.