roses3
PAINTING RED ROSES
This lesson is a continuation of the drawing lesson on roses that you should view before
attempting your own painting.
I have done the painting in four stages and will attempt describe each stage as they are shown
below. The student should try and complete this painting in one session as it is essentially a
'wet in wet' project that relies on the fluidity of the paint.First of all I covered a primed canvas (16" x 13") in a 'thin' mix of raw umber. Technically this is
usually referred to as a 'imprimatura'. When I say 'thin' I mean a mix diluted with turps that
spreads like watercolor and dries very quickly. When almost dry I use chalk to draw in the
design. For this classic or formal design I place my imaginary 'horizon' about one third up from
the bottom and then center the vase. If you prefer you could use charcoal for the drawing.With the drawing complete I begin painting the centers and shadows in the roses. For this I use
'cadmium red deep' with perhaps a toutch of the umber or burnt umber in the very centers.
Next you should really load up a half to three quarter inch flat bristle brush with 'cadmium red'
and begin to paint between the cadmium red deep with broad singular strokes that will
represent the foremost of the petals (see below). Note that your brushstrokes should become a
little thinner ... use the edge of your bristle brush for this ... as the petals near the center of the
flower.http://www.geocities.com/~jlhagan/advanced/roses3.htm (1 of 4)1/13/2004 3:32:35 AM