Building a painting, alla prima

My usual method of painting involves the classical technique of first doing a fully rendered drawing on paper, then transferring it to canvas or board. It's a bit more time consuming, as I've described in a previous post. But with live flowers, time is of the essence.

Here are the steps for drawing and painting all at once, or alla prima. It's also known as "direct" painting, as apposed to "indirect" painting when drawing is completed before beginning to paint.

So, below left is my set up with those robust ranunculus. The first stage on the prepared board shows marking placement of the vase with the central axis just slightly off-center making room for the shadow to help balance the composition. The far right image shows how the brush is held loosely for a more organic feel.

 

Once the vase placement is set, it's time to focus on those flowers since they will not last long. The loosely painted drawing below is done with thinned paint to allow for changes. It's like sketching with charcoal - if you make enough lines, eventually you can tell which ones work and which ones don't! In the second image thinner (gamsol) on a cloth is used to wipe out areas that are not working. 

Next the darks are indicated. Darkest values help establish movement through the composition so it's good to note early on where they should be. Last is the completed underpainting. In addition to acting as a drawing/road map for the painting, an underpainting connects all elements with a consistent, underlying tone.

In the group of images below the first pass of color has been established for the flowers (still holding off on the vase to focus on the fresh flowers). Then I worked the background around the flowers to integrate it with foreground objects while the paint is wet. Plus, creating soft edges in wet paint helps objects recede. Finally, the finished painting.

 

This one is called "Unruly Ranunculus." Because, if you know ranunculus, the stems just do their own thing! I actually needed a clothespin to weigh down the yellow flower on the right to keep it in position. Ranunculus are the most beautiful multi-multi-petaled flowers! Like roses that couldn't decide when to quit!

Unruly Ranunculus ©2016 Dorothy Lorenze, 8x8"

Happy Spring!

Thanks for joining me on my art journey. Wishing you a very creative season!

Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

It's Spring, the flowers are beginning to bloom and there's a whole new crop of subjects for painting!

Going from the structured shapes of my typical still life objects to organic flower forms is actually quite a transition for me, but... it's spring, a time for newness and venturing out of the box.

"Going Solo" ©2016 Dorothy Lorenze

This is my first floral in quite a while. It was a bit daunting at first, but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it! This little daisy-mum was pulled out of a big bouquet to start small... et voilà! "Going Solo"! Of course the elegance of the vase helped keep me anchored in my comfort zone!

I'm happily working on another floral with several blooms. It's taking a bit longer, plus I've taken photos along the way so will post progress shots with the finished painting fairly soon. (spoiler alert: I'm trying my hand at ranunculus!)

Meanwhile, Spring is also the season for art shows. In between garden clean up, make time to take in some art!

For example - Ridgefield Guild of Artists has its juried member show currently through May 2nd with a reception Saturday, April 2nd from 4-6pm. Come on by to see some wonderful artwork. 

Last week I visited two inspirational exhibits in NY. "Painting Tranquility" featured elegant, moody portraits and interiors by Vilhelm Hammershøi. His tonal color palette is not particularly spring-like, but there is so much to learn by observing his portrayal of light!

Interior from Strandgade with Sunlight on the Floor, Hammershøi

Unfortunately the Hammershøi exhibit has already closed but you can still pop into Scandinavia House to enjoy their café with authentic northern delights - on your way to Salmagundi Art Club where there's always wonderful artwork to see.

My next gallery visit was to see Hudson Valley Arts Association's 83rd annual exhibition of representational art at Salmagundi Art Club (of which I am pleased to now be a member!) The current show is a diverse collection of works by contemporary artists painting realism from portraits to cityscapes. The show closes April April 1st so there are just a few days left to be inspired by this display of excellent artwork, as shown below.

Happy Spring! Enjoy the warmth and creative spirit of the season!

Thanks for joining me on my art journey.