Dennis process on painting something special for you.
Step 1: The right proportions
Step 2: Turn on the bright lights
Step 2: Turn on the bright lights
I complete a detailed drawing of all elements of the picture including shadows and background images. These are scaled up from the photographic reference by a faction of 9.1 to agree with the full size of 91 cm squared canvas. This aspect of the demonstration is exacting, however, it is invaluable in the long run as the final product is in the right proportion.
Step 2: Turn on the bright lights
Step 2: Turn on the bright lights
Step 2: Turn on the bright lights
Because of the importance of the light in the painting, the first colour applied to the canvas is to the areas of "white lights" I paint the main flowers in the foreground first and I will progressively work my way to the background images and highlights at later stages. When painting with acrylic the strength of the colour needs to be a shade lighter than what Is required as acrylics often dry off in a darker shade.
Step 3: Contrasts and values
Step 2: Turn on the bright lights
Step 3: Contrasts and values
To help ensure that colour values of the main flowers are correct, now start blocking in the background and the "dark" shadows being cast upon the flower petals. This is a very important stage as the strength of colour, composition and contrast between the main subject and the background needs to be correct. At this point there may need to be some strengthening or dilution of colour. Because of the quick drying nature of acrylics, minor adjustments are relatively easy to make.
Step 4: The fuzzy merge
Step 6: The finished work
Step 3: Contrasts and values
I complete the blocking in of the background including small flowers and petal highlights as well as the large leaves. To have the main flower cluster standing out, I fuzz all the background edges. This is done by re-colouring each adjoining edge in the appropriate colours and then, using a clean, wet brush, painting the two adjoining edges to get the resultant fuzzy merge. This treatment then brings the main subject of the painting, the flower head, into sharp relief with the surrounding background. I also slightly reduce the colour intensity of the background.
Step 5: Details
Step 6: The finished work
Step 6: The finished work
I make any necessary strengthening of colours and adjusting contrasts in relation to the total painting. I also add highlights where required as well as veins and other details to foliage.
Step 6: The finished work
Step 6: The finished work
Step 6: The finished work
"When painting with acrylic the strength of the colour needs to be a shade lighter than what is required as acrylics often dry off in a darker shade.” Dennis Carrick