FALL 2016 ACRYLIC CLASS WEEK 2

Acrylic Class Project: Windblown Week 2

This week we added the background tree. I used a #6flat sable brush to block in the trunk and main branches and roots switching to a liner brush for the smaller finer branches and twigs.

I used a medium blue which was a mix of the ultramarine blue and a touch of white. 


To create shading I added a bit more white to the color, to create shadows I added more blue and a touch of purple or you can use a touch of alizarin crimson. Notice that even the "highlight" area is still darker than the background. I am using the contrast to create a silhouette effect. (the black line are from the sketch for the front tree).

When you switch to the liner brush continue to use that medium blue color while you are in the lighter areas, then when you are moving into the darker areas of the background, add a little white to the color so the branches will stand out against the dark background.

Be sure that you make enough of the smaller branches and twigs when doing both trees and do not be afraid to cross over branches that are already there, it will look more natural in your finished painting.

Remember to practice loading the liner brush - the paint should be like India ink so use enough water - then pressing and lifting the brush to create thicker and thinner branches and twigs. Do this before you go to your painting and make a lot of the finer twigs at the ends of the branches it helps break up the  negative space and will make your trees look more natural.

Try to have your painting to this point on Monday, we will start working on the main tree and some of the finishing touches. Keep painting and I will see you in class.