Holham Fun

So here is another painting I used the Holkham photos for...

I am actually working on a visual reference for a new painting. I am using Photoshop today to put together some different things to look at for my composition.

I have also been studying the 7 layer method on the internet to get some basics down.

Things to remember from this exercise are:

• make sure the canvas is as smooth as possible.
• begin with an ink drawing or use acrylics to "confirm the drawing". (Acrylics can be used for the first layers for quickness but I am not sure I want to do this as I am trying to learn the method)
• First paint layer is the medium tone of the largest lightest feature.
• Second and third layers are shadows in burnt umber.
• 4th layer or "dead layer" is a white/olive colour. (Acrylic method this is the first oil layer and you paint in basic colour thinly so as to see the shadows)
• The rest of the layers are thin paint and medium (liquin or linseed).
• Use light refraction when considering colours. (Van DYck used this called "scrumping")
• use transparent colours such as alizarin or zinc white or use opaques (cadmiums or lead white) with more medium.
• don't use turps on brushes... change brush if you need to clean it.
• wait for layers to be dry before next layer... this is the hardest part so I may need to start other paintings at the same time.

So now all I have to do is make some sKetches to transfer to my vision to the canvas. Off I go then :)