http://www.painters-online.co.uk artistMarch 2021 47PRACTICAL
EXERCISE
Select three objects, related or
unrelated, of three different sizes,
including flowers. Jot down the reason
for the selection – anything that
springs to mind. Start arranging them,
noting the spaces between. Draw
simple sketches. Add four more objects
and see if they add more interest or
detract. Add and take away until you
are satisfied. Pay particular attention to
the edges of the composition. Think of
a title. The image can be more or less
abstract.q FINISHED PAINTING
Autumnal Meditations, watercolour on Saunders Waterford High White Not, 140lb (300gsm),
133 201/2in (33 3 52cm).
I decided to add an additional mushroom to join the fossils; its shape echoes the spiral theme.
Finishing touches to the flowers added the extra sparkle that energises the painting. I delicately
picked out the Fibonacci spiral with white gouache to give an indication of the image’s originp STAGE THREE
The stones, with their various textures, were an exercise in ‘abstract’ painting. I first wet the
area of each stone then dropped in colour. I then blotted or added further colour whilst the
underpaint dried. I drew in lines that bled or splattered with colour using a bristle brush. The
dark fossil was double masked, first over the area of the shell to paint the background, then
around the shell to paint a crisp edge (a very useful technique for those with a shaky hand).
The flowers were tinted to reveal the form – I wanted them to look startlingly pattern-like
Paul Riley
teaches all media from his home and
studios in south Devon. For details
telephone 01803 722 352 or email
[email protected]
http://www.coombefarmstudios.com
http://www.paulrileyart.com