Thursday, March 10, 2016

Garden Girl and Show Tip #16

Garden Girl, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

The dramatic light on this little garden girl statue caught my fancy for a number of reasons... the vividness of contrast, the layering effect of the light and shadows, and the way the subject stood perfectly half-in and half-out of the light. These were all challenges I couldn't pass up. I started in my usual fashion, but toned the canvas yellow so that the patch of light would have an inner glow. I also added some loose indications of red as a place holder/reminder for the roses that would come in at the very end. 


Block-in of Garden Girl.

Show Tip #16 - Step Back
In my painting process I am constantly reminding myself to step back. The reason? Getting away from it allows me to better see the overall image. I'm looking for overall continuity, any sore thumbs sticking out, and passages that need attention. The same goes for getting ready for this show, I have to keep stepping back to make sure I haven't lost my overall sense of how everything is fitting together; to help me figure out what needs more attention. Maybe I need more still lifes or to count my frames again. Or maybe I need to stop painting for a day and take care of the administrative stuff. The goal is for everything to happen on time and without stress, right? That is what I keep telling myself. 


Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:
April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA
Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

2 comments:

Sharon L. Graves said...

Love the thought of no or little stress! Trying not to snicker! Love this little lady.

Christi Hough said...

Love your little "Garden Girl" ~ I will see you at your workshop again in St. Simons! It is always such a fun time in a beautiful setting.