Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Figure Painting from Photos and Color Study

Last week, my beautiful friend Margaret came over 
and I asked her to model for me in the late afternoon sun. 




I did a quick (poorly drawn) color study in about 30 minutes

Today, I set up the study, the image and the panel together. 


I blocked in everything in shadow using all values darker than middle grey, 
using my color study as a guide 

(I draw a line down the center of my pallet
 to keep the dark and light values separate.
Once the shadow shapes are all in, 
I clean my brushes and start to use white 
on the other side.   


Red Shorts 
8 x 10 

I took my time with this and made every stroke count. 
I only gave myself one stroke per shape. 

Color studies done in actual sunlight are invaluable tools 
when painting from photos. 

11 comments:

  1. Good study .... thanks for sharing how you did this. I always need reminders and it helps to see how other artists do things.

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  2. So nice, Nancy! Thanks much. Love the way you simplify!!! Every time I go to one of your blogs it makes me want to paint. I guess that's the definition of inspiration. Thanks again!

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  3. Wonderful lesson for us all. Enjoyed seeing your process and your seperating the lights and darks that way.

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  4. Nancy, what a great post! So informative! Love the step by step process, and gorgeous result!

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  5. I love this post ,thanks for sharing how you went about the process. Wonderful simplified steps and a great end result. I love how you divided your palette keeping the lights and darks separated. Very confident brush strokes. Wonderful job !

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  6. Interesting Nancy. I think it's cool what you did with your palette - I've never thought of that. I like how you simplified the background. It can be tough to know what to leave out.

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  7. Nancy, I just found your blog and really appreciate this post. What a great idea dividing the lights and darks on the palette.
    Great painting with a subtle abstract design.

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  8. Thanks for sharing this info with us. I too like the way you simplified the background.

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  9. Enjoy seeing your work! Thanks for sharing your process in painting this! Like the way you simplified the background with light filled shadows.

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  10. Love the idea of splitting the palette....very cleaver!! Makes it easier to really see the colors. I need to take your next class after Sept!!!

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