Sunshine in the Dales
Having just painted a large watercolour, I then had a commission for a large acrylic as well. It was also to be on a gallery-wrap canvas, which was something I hadn't tried before.
The brief was for a painting based loosely on a photograph of a Yorkshire Dales landscape. I used to live in that area, so it was a subject I was very familiar with.
Stage 1
I did a few pencil sketches to try out different compositions and then drew the outlines onto the canvas.
The brief was for a painting based loosely on a photograph of a Yorkshire Dales landscape. I used to live in that area, so it was a subject I was very familiar with.
Stage 1
I did a few pencil sketches to try out different compositions and then drew the outlines onto the canvas.
Thumbnail sketches
Rough outline
I started the painting by establishing all the darkest areas.
Stage 2
Stage 3
Then I covered the rest of the canvas with loosely applied paint for the middle-valued areas. The lightest values were left as white canvas.
Stage 3
Stage 4
From this rough groundwork I then continued to build up thicker and stronger colours.
Stage 4
Stage 5
Stage 6
Stage 7
At this point I reassessed the painting and saw a few things that needed changing. The woodland on the hill was too dark in tone, so I scumbled over it with white and a little bit of blue to make it look more distant. The middle-distance fields looked a bit empty, so I added more field boundaries to break up that area more. I also repositioned the barn. In the foreground, I felt that the colours were too bright and the river was too straight. A few glazes took care of the colours and a few stony areas made the river more interesting. The final touches were some birds in the sky and sheep in the fields.
Sunshine in the Dales, Acrylic, 51 x 76 cm
Finally, I had to paint the sides of the canvas, so that the painting continued around the edge. I probably should have done that earlier, but I didn't want to stop to take the canvas off the easel.
Comments
It clearly reveals the pains-taking layering you carried out to arrive at the final image... and the varied areas of detail as they slowly emerged. Very interesting to be looking over your shoulder...HA HA!!
A wonderfully informative post Keith.... and another Tilley panoramic gem!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Your client must be very happy with the rsult
Yes the client was very happy. I believe a few tears were shed (for the right reasons!).
All the best,
Keith
I've joined your blog and I've also shared it on Google+.
Vic.