Leisure Painter - UK (2019-06)

http://www.painters-online.co.uk

Jackie Garner

Jackie teaches art classes and workshops,

and gives demonstrations. She also teaches

on painting holidays with Art Safari

(www.artsafari.co.uk). She is opening her

studio at Old Cider House, Humphreys End,

Randwick, Stroud GL6 6EW as part of

Stroud Open Studios on 11, 12, 18 and 19

May (11am to 6pm). Find out more by

visiting http://www.jackiegarner.co.uk

Step 9
1 Once you are happy with the reeds, you
can add details to the ripples in front and
behind the bird. The reeds in the centre
of the painting can be lightened, to stop
them detracting from the avocet.
2 Finally, return to the bird for last-minute
tweaking. The sharp highlight on the breast
needs to be softened and the modelling
at the base of the neck improved. A lighter
brown on the top of the head will enhance
the form there too.
3 Now decide whether to add an eye. This

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isn’t strictly necessary, as a dark eye

against dark feathers is rarely seen and

there will not be a bright highlight, as the

eye is in shadow. Nevertheless, most people

prefer to see an eye so a simple crescent

will suggest that the eye exists without

making it obvious.

4 At this point the painting can be

considered finished, although it is possible

to keep adding detail if hyperrealism is

the desired outcome. You could even

crop it, as it works as a portrait, too.

The finished painting Avocet, heavy-body acrylic on board, 10^1 ⁄ 2 x17in. (27x43cm)

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