DRAWING TECHNIQUES
Focusing on light and shadow shapes rather than outlining the subject
Stepping back and reassessing the piece as a whole
Measuring ratios between different shapes make for an accurate form
Flattening shadow shapes creates lovely fluidity in pieces. Rather than having unrealistic gradients. Part of this is paying attention to line quality.
​
Blurring the eyes when viewing the focus draws the mind away from detail and rather to the existing light and shadow.
Turning around and observing the canvas in a mirror or flipping and reorienting the canvas can help to catch any mistakes.
​
Using straight lines can help to grasp angles and form with accuracy, rather than randomly trying to copy curves initially. Adding many straight lines gradual creates a more accurate curve.
Image courtesy of Pinterest
Image courtesy of beginnersschool.com
OIL PAINTING TECHNIQUES
"A painting is only as good as the initial drawing" -August Burns
Many of the drawing techniques listed above are also equally relevant for painting.
Fleshtone palette for Unraveling:
Right to left
Shadow: Raw Umber, Terra Rosa, Yellow-Ochre, and White
Halftone: R. Umber, transparent red oxide, Terra Rosa, Titanium White
Average Light: Transparent Red Oxide, Cadmium Red, Titanium White
Light Light: Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Yellow, Titanium White
MIXING FLESHTONES
METHODS
SIGHT SIZE
DRAWING or PAINTING from LIFE
SIGHT-SIZE from PHOTOGRAPH
Flesh-tones are always general, and a reflection of the surrounding light, colors, and tone of the model.
MY CURRENT PERSONAL PALETTE
