Summer House - Process Demo and Show Tip #11

Summer House, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

Available

I happened upon this quaint summer home in Northern Wisconsin, in Door County to be exact. Lots of folks in the badger state have summer places up there and no wonder, it's a gorgeous getaway. I grew up in Wisconsin, and my family made many visits up that way to see family and to go camping. It's definitely a favorite place of mine! 

With this painting I made a point of taking photos at strategic stages, so that I could share some process notes with you...

Process Notes on Summer House

Sketchpad Drawing

I began with a quick 10x8 graphite sketch in my sketchbook. This helps me get the composition figured out and gives me a comfortable sense of the biggest shapes. 

Block-in Sketch 

This is my initial placement of the subject on canvas, using Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna. 

Block-in Values 

Indicating the darks (and leaving the lights untouched) helps me establish the foundation of my painting (still using ultramarine and burnt sienna).

Shadow Family 

Using the full palette, I painted the shadow family of everything in the painting. This helps me compare all the color and value within that shadow family and make sure it all "agrees". 

Light Family and Final Highlights 

Once the shadow family was working correctly, I was finally able to paint the light and color! It takes patience and a strong belief in delayed gratification to hold off on the fun stuff, but it's always worth it. 

Show Tip #11 - Take Notes!
When you figure something out (an "aha" moment or a breakthrough of any kind), write it down. I always think I will remember everything. Why wouldn't I? The truth is that I forget, sad but true, even some of life's most significant lessons. So I've learned to take notes about the important stuff, and the notes become little monuments to what I've learned. The good news? If I write something down enough times, eventually I get it memorized!  :)

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

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