In this chapter, we're diving into the captivating world of painting lilies, a subject that offers both complexity and beauty, making it a truly rewarding endeavor. As we explore this scene, you'll learn how to set up a still life painting, starting with a monochrome underpainting that lays the groundwork for the vibrant colors to come. We'll focus on matching colors accurately to capture the delicate hues of the lilies, and I'll guide you through techniques to create subtle, glowing effects that bring your painting to life. This lesson builds on the foundational skills from our first lesson, so we'll take our time to really see and understand the subject before we put brush to canvas. By the end of this chapter, you'll not only have a beautiful painting of lilies but also a deeper appreciation for the nuances of floral art. Let's enjoy the process and the learning journey together.
Step 6Observing the Scene
Observe the Scene
Spend 20 to 30 minutes observing your subject before painting. This helps you simplify complex elements and understand color relationships, which is crucial for deciding where to lose or emphasize edges.
Blur Your Eyes
Blur your eyes while observing the scene to simplify complex elements. This technique helps you see the scene abstractly, making it easier to identify key color relationships and areas to adjust edges.
Understand Color Relationships
Notice how colors relate to each other, such as a flower color being similar to the background. Use this understanding to decide where to create crisp or soft edges, enhancing the overall composition.
Summary & key takeaways
Embark on your painting journey by setting up a harmonious still life using an analogous color scheme. Begin with a monochrome block-in using burnt sienna to establish tonal values, and use large brushes to cover the canvas efficiently. As you progress, focus on drawing and wiping techniques to define your composition, and consider using acrylics for a faster drying underpainting.
Observe your subject closely to understand color relationships and simplify complex elements. Use large brushes initially to establish big color shapes, and gradually mix colors for halftones and highlights. Pay attention to the unique light and shadow dynamics of flowers, and use transmitted light to add depth and interest.
As you refine your painting, focus on creating variety in edges and capturing subtle shadow variations. Enhance details and accents to bring your composition to life, and use techniques like adding glow and loosening edges to achieve a natural feel. Remember, starting with smaller paintings can help you build confidence and refine your skills before tackling larger pieces.
Points to remember
- Use an analogous color scheme for a harmonious setup.
- Quickly cover the canvas with a large one-inch brush during the block-in.
- Spray a light coat of fixative over pencil lines to protect them from solvent.
- Use acrylics for faster drying underpainting.
- Blur your eyes to simplify the scene and identify key color relationships.
- Pay attention to how light passes through flower petals.
- Squint to compare values when mixing colors for highlights.
- Use sharp edges to make foreground flowers stand out and soft edges to create depth.
