Still Life Drawing and Painting
Books and Flowers 2003 - Demonstration
By Dion Archibald
Step 3
Between each layer I leave the painting for a day or two to
dry. I enjoy this process as it gives you time to see how the
work is progressing. The books and flowers are now starting
to become more recognisable. The finished colours are also starting
to be introduced and I am starting to make them cleaner. I have
kept the colours to a minimum of paynes grey, yellow oxide,
and titanium white. A focused palette can help to strengthen
the structure and composition of your painting as you are not
seduced into relying on beautiful colours to make the finished
work more pleasing.
Step 4
At this stage I just continue to refine the image. I keep working
over each stage and making any changes necessary. Tones and
colours are changed with each new layer, working slowly towards
the finished image. Often previous stages show through and add
interesting and unpredictable effects. Scratching into the paint
with a nail punch can also add to the textural finish and emphasize
lines.
Step 5
I never try to rush a painting by trying to finish it quickly.
If it takes 30 sittings or more than so be it. My works tend
to look very rushed and spontaneous but they are actually worked
on over many sittings with much contemplation in between. In
the final stage I work on strengthening the tones, making sure
the contrasting areas of the image are working. Highlights are
added and any areas that need lightening are changed. Knowing
when the painting is finished can be quite challenging as some
works never really seem finished, yet others tend to climax
nicely and you just know that it is complete
By Dion Archibald
Visit Dion's Site: http://www.dionarchibald.com