Leisure Painter - UK (2019-06)

36 JUNE 2019 http://www.painters-online.co.uk

I

n this issue we continue the avocet

painting’s process, having already

researched our subject and made

a tonal sketch in preparation. In the

last issue, we chose and cropped a

photograph (right) so the subject fitted

the frame in a pleasing way. Now

we continue on to the actual painting.

Don’t forget to email an image of your

finished painting to [email protected]

who will include your artwork on the

LPpainting project area of the gallery

on Leisure Painter’swebsite at

PaintersOnline. LP

Part 2How to paint an avocet using heavy-body acrylics, by Jackie Garner

Pai nting proj ect

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

nHow to use a limited palette

nPaint ripples and reflections

nPractise working tonally

Heavy-body acrylics

Step 1

1 Underpainting rids us of the white

surface, which can seem daunting when we

begin a new work. The advantage of an

underlying colour is that it will show through

in tiny amounts, helping to unify the picture.

The warmth of yellow oxide is a good

counter to the cooler areas of the water.

2 Thin the paint down with water or a matt

medium then, using a large brush, work

across the whole surface. Some streakiness

in the underpainting won’t matter, as most

of the colour will be covered over by

subsequent layers of paint. Leave this layer

to dry thoroughly so it won’t blend with

subsequent layers.

t

Step 2

1 Next, block in the water with a mix of

titanium white, unbleached titanium and

ultramarine. The resulting tone and colour

will depend on the proportions used. Aim

for a light to mid-tone without making the

colour too pale or the highlights won’t show

up. Notice how the underpainting shows

through the thin blue layer, adding warmth.

2 Indicate the main darks by mixing

unbleached titanium, ultramarine and

burnt umber, although you could wait until

the drawing is complete before doing this.

3 When the paint is dry draw the avocet.

This can be done straight onto the surface

with brush or pencil, or use a graphite transfer

paper, such as Tracedown. The advantage

of drawing first is that any corrections can

be made on the paper, before transferring

the drawing to the support. Be careful not

to press on the drawing or you’ll be in danger

of transferring your fingerprints, too.

t

DemonstrationAvocet

You will need

nSurface

lPrimed panel or canvas,

101 ⁄ 2 x17in. (27x43cm)

n Heavy-body acrylics

lTitanium white

lUnbleached titanium

lCadmium red

lUltramarine

lBurnt umber

lYellow ochre for the

underpainting (optional)

n Brushes

lLarge, medium and

small flats

tYour reference photo for this painting project