Blog by a leading professional photographer providing hands on review of camera equipment: Nikon, Leica, Fuji, Sony, plus instructional sample images.
Blank Canvas Syndrome can stop us before we've even started. But there are infinite ways to begin! Seven artists reveal how they start a painting.
Mirka ‘s own works spread throughout her home studio. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Home studio details. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Mirka Mora’s studio paints in her home studio. Photography – Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files. Mirka Mora’s …
Think planning is too restrictive? This flexible printable planner for artists is completely adaptable to your needs.
Just like her pottery, Nicolette's space is entirely individual.
Watch the evolution of my intuitive painting process from start to finish, as I hhare my inspiration for this painting, and some thoughts on how art mimics life, and how it shows up on the page.
Over 50 public domain artists to use for AI prompts! Tips and ideas for how to find good artwork in the public domain to use for writing AI art prompts.
Get to know Katie O'Hagan, one of the most interesting and compelling people in today's art scene, and learn how to paint contemporary portraits and narratives.
As an artist, I know firsthand the eagerness to dive right in and start adding color to a blank canvas. However, as I've grown my craft over the last 20 years, I've come to appreciate the importance of taking the time to create a strong foundation for a painting through underpainting and blocking in. In this article, we'll explore the process of underpainting and blocking in, and why it's a crucial part of the painting process that all artists should consider. Note: This blog contains affiliate links and purchasing through them supports our site at no extra cost to you. What is an underpainting? Underpainting is a foundational technique in painting, where the first layer of paint sets the stage for the entire artwork. It's a strategic approach, not just a preliminary step, offering a blueprint for composition, tonal values, and color scheme. This layer, often monochromatic, provides a cohesive foundation, enhancing the luminosity and vibrancy of the colors added later. It's about establishing a color theme that influences the painting's overall tone. For example, a blue-toned underpainting can give a cold feel, ideal for a winter scene, while a yellow tone suits warm landscapes like sunsets. This method goes beyond aesthetics; it's practical, allowing artists to plan, correct mistakes, and adjust compositions. Underpainting is about exploring color and tonal values, enriching the work with depth and value. It frees artists from the blank canvas's daunting presence, making it easier to sketch and make changes without committing to color. The underpainting can also significantly influence how artist perceives and applies color, affecting the final outcome of the painting. Underpainting VS Blocking In I get it, the idea of adding a monotone layer like burnt sienna before adding color to your painting can sometimes feel like a step in the wrong direction. But, the truth is that it's an important step in the process that creates a strong foundation for your painting. A simple block in can also ensure the final product is more visually cohesive. Many artists tend to find it easier to judge value and color if their painting surface does not start with bright white. This initial layer should be thin and translucent, allowing the light to reflect through it. Once this layer dries is when the underpainting can really begin. This is the time to establish the basic shapes, values, and composition of the painting. The underpainting helps us focus on the values and relationships between the different elements of the painting. Burnt sienna is a popular choice for many artists because of its warmth, quicker dry time, and it's ability to add life to the darker tones in paintings. Blocking in, on the other hand, is the process of creating a basic outline and establishing color. This stage helps establish the overall color scheme and composition of your painting. My favorite brush to block in with is a larger, angled flat brush. The colors should focus on shape rather than detail and applied in broad manner which gives you a direction with your painting, but more importantly coverage. Until your canvas or panel is covered in paint, it's hard judge your work as a whole. This is why a underpainting is vital for finishing a painting that you're truly happy with. Reasons Artists Should Consider An Underpainting If you're still struggling with the idea, think of it like this: underpainting and blocking in build the framework for your painting. Just as a house needs a solid foundation and structure before it can have windows, doors, etc.. Your painting needs a solid base before you start adding detailed color and texture. By taking the time to lay down the foundation, you can work out the composition, overall design, values, and color relationships of your painting before committing to the final details. Underpaintings and
Wondering how to digitize artwork? These steps will guide you through scanner settings, file types, and editing tools.
In this video and article, you'll learn the how, what, and why you should copyright your artwork and processes to manage your copyrights.
Comparing the Scientific Method With the Artistic Process Curriculum Approaches % %
Here’s a simple guide on developing your own art style authentically, but in less time. You don’t have to rush through these steps, though. Take as long as you like, as it’s a fun and inspiring journey!
Hashim Akib shows how to paint an expressive portrait in acrylic while still establishing a structure of the face
Intuitive art is a way of creating art that aims to explore and uncover aspects of the inner self. And just like my previous: 10 Usef...
Advice from the people who give them.
Following on from 10 things you need to be an artist, here are 10 things you don't need to be an artist. Let's remove some of those barriers.
If you want to grow your social media following for your art, you MUST make videos. Videos perform better than still photos. Here's how:
Porcelain Fine Art Print by Agnes Cecile. Authentic giclee print artwork on paper or canvas. Wall Art purchases directly support the artist.
One of the things which helps me in the studio is a ‘mood board’ for my art. It’s good to refresh this and I had become so used to looking at it, that my eyes passed over it and it was no longer serving its purpose. So what’s a mood board? You’re probably familiar […]
Artsy Shark presents some artist friends hard at work in their studios or on location. Enjoy!
Need some actionable inspiration on living a creatively fulfilled life? Nine real life examples of what it means to be creatively fulfilled.
Have you ever tried writing essential questions for your lessons or curriculum? Try using this ready-to-go list of essential questions that integrate the arts and the creative process.
If you’ve never thought about creating a large series before, that’s all right—any artist can learn. I’ll admit that it might not be as fun as just sitting down and painting whatever comes to mind, but the outcome is more than worth it. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
The word “organization” can sound daunting to anyone. Why should we take time away from making our art to create an art inventory? Hi, my name is Carrie. Today on Artist Strong, I’…
Sell Art Online Checklist - Everything you need to know about starting an online art business. This Checklist will build a strong foundation for...
The Creative Process - Meet Cody Wallis. This time all the way from across the pond! Cody Wallis is a graphic designer and illustrator residing in Seattle, Washington, USA.
31 lessons from 31 days of painting: on art, and on life. Art mimics life, and when you take a deep dive on a 31 day painting process, you see just how therapeutic it can be.
For most painters, making art begins when brush is put to canvas.
If you've ever wondered how to move through your creative blocks, this "Hey Flora" is for you!
Вернулась недавно из Лас Вегаса (ездила на Clay Carnival, и опережая возможный вопрос, да, я собираюсь поделиться впечатлениями, показать, что же я там натворила. Просто не все еще доделано). А сегодня я хочу поделиться совсем другими впечатлениями. Пошли мы как то вечером после занятий немого…
A strong piece of art is one of the easiest ways to introduce colour into your home so here are 8 Australian artists who are pushing colour boundaries.
