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GO TO YOUR ROOM !

I borrowed this phrase from the recently deceased Canadian painter Robert Genn who believed that there is only so much we can learn about how to paint from the many fine instructors and resources available today. The true learning comes from going off on our own and just doing it - Go to your room!

I have had the good fortune to take instruction from outstanding artists in Canada and the USA. I continue to work on my own development ( Going to MY room!) . I share, through this blog and workshops, what I have learned and what others have shared with me.

I created this blog primarily for those attending my workshops to keep in touch and to further share as we grow together. If others are interested in following that would be great.

Enjoy the journey.

Sunday 5 February 2012

Norman Finished - Maybe

In a previous post I showed my approach to drawing and starting the acrylic painting Norman - 30x40 ".  The painting has hung in my living room since and I have considered what the painting needed to call it finished.

I wanted a strong front end - head and forelegs. I wanted the rear to be softened and move back into the painting. I softened the value of the rear and the rear lower legs and the front inside hoof. I softened the edges on the tail, hind legs and upper pelvic area. 

 I played with value and temperature changes in the background and decided on a "blurred" mix of warm and cool at lighter values than the subject. I also wanted to show motion and forced the shadow value below the rear right hoof and kept the hoof " in the air ". I also added the warm/cool loose "dust" around the feet. 

To bring the head forward I strengthened the darks and hardened the edges and added spots of warm reds. Maybe overdone? 

I am still not sure I have taken it in the right direction so again it will hang and be considered while I decide. 

Reference photo 
Initial sketch and value plan in transparent under painting 

Drawing corrections using white China Marker 
Building with opaques
 






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