OCTOBER CLASSROOM: Blending and Glazing [Archive]

maverick

10-04-2005, 10:23 PM

Welcome to the class! Sorry I'm late; I'm your substitute teacher. I won't tolerate talking out of turn, gum chewing, or false names when I take attendance! And I'm not going to talk about current events; I'm going to teach a lesson! :D

So, you want to learn about blending and glazing? I think I can at least show you my method. As simple as it may appear when explained, I basically learned it by trial and error. I can't say that I've learned very much by reading art how-to books. Most of what I've learned is the result of doing, and getting lots of honest feedback from people here...and my wife (she is brutally honest just by her lack of reaction).

I've decided to take a simple image from the Reference Image Library here:
Apple (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=30884&si=apple). I will post the image here later, but I just wanted to quickly introduce the subject. I'd like all those who are interested to follow along and actually produce a painting. Like I said, I learned more my doing than reading.

I will update the thread as I have time, but it should be quite frequently. If things go quickly, maybe we can do another simple painting to reinforce what we've learned.

You will need acrylic paint of course, and preferably some glazing medium. I use Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid (satin finish). The 8 oz. (236 ml) bottle I have has lasted a long time (any brand of glazing medium will do). Canvas, masonite or plywood are suitable for supports (gessoed of course). It's entirely up to you. I've never tried paper with acrylic using this method. I think the paper would be destroyed in the process. A filbert bristle brush will also come in handy for blending, and a softer watercolor brush (or brushes) for glazing.

This class will take place in a WIP format. Stay tuned....

ottwork

10-04-2005, 10:39 PM

Hello, Mr. Maverick, Sir. I'd like to sign up for your class, if I may, please! I've got paint, I've got glazing liquid, and I'm sure I can find something to use as a support! I'm subscribing right now, and looking forward to the lesson!

Oh - and your website looks great!

wlslady

10-05-2005, 12:47 AM

I would like to join in. I had just asked elsewhere what they were talking about when they mentioned using glazes. I have the support, and paintswill have to get the canvas and glaze. Can the glaze be bought anywhere? :confused:

AndreS347

10-05-2005, 02:11 AM

I am in!! I have paints, the glazing liquid, the support... I have no apple, but I have a b&w underpainting of my girlfriend that I am not affraid to spoil!! :) I hope the class starts soon, I cannot wait!!

asmith38

10-05-2005, 02:50 AM

How does one sign up for such a class?

gnu

10-05-2005, 03:15 AM

Hi Ann
it's a virtual reality class, just follow this thread and join in with questions and some work as you go along..

Nitsa

10-05-2005, 04:17 AM

and my wife (she is brutally honest just by her lack of reaction).
This made me laugh out loud! LOL!

Maverick, thankyou for standing in at such short notice, it's a great intro and I'm looking fwd to it's progress.

Charlie's Mum

10-05-2005, 08:31 AM

Think we may need a bigger studio for all the students M. :D

Can't wait to see all the contributions from the group - hope you all realise that you're gonna post your efforts here, in this thread, so no slacking ;)

Alyssa - you should be able to buy your medium at any good art supply shop.

Thanks Mark, for getting this started so promptly - we really appreciate it :D

Anita Murphy

10-05-2005, 09:03 AM

and my wife (she is brutally honest just by her lack of reaction).

Sounds just like my husband!
I want to sign up for this too but haven't got any glazing medium and can't get any here in Mexico, so I might be late for class while I get some shipped in.

bjcpaints

10-05-2005, 09:07 AM

I'm in! Just what I've been waiting for! Will go get glazing medium on my lunchbreak!
Barbara

wlslady

10-05-2005, 04:07 PM

Charlies mum,

Thank you I'll get some this week end.
I can't wait to get started. :clap:

Einion

10-05-2005, 04:28 PM

I'd like to thank Maverick for stepping in on short notice to host this month's classroom for us, I'm sure it will prove very popular!

Einion

daisy27

10-05-2005, 05:24 PM

I want to sign up

Jessica :wave:

benighted

10-05-2005, 06:26 PM

*quickly spits out the gum, and points to the next person "It wasn't me :angel:"*

Paint - check, glazing medium - check, support - check, brushes - check, sign me up :)... really looking forward on this class :)

Incredible paintings on your page Mr Maverick, sir :)

firehorse6646927

10-05-2005, 06:40 PM

Hi Maverick.... I can't actually find acrylic "glazing" medium in Suffolk :crying: .... will a thick matt medium and plenty of flow improver do instead...?! <~ever hopeful

maverick

10-05-2005, 06:48 PM

OK.

Diahn...present!
Nascent...president!
Alyssa...present!
Andre...present!

Hey, I see a squirrel! There's a squirrel! And another squirrel! (my high school art teacher used to say that when someone popped gum or candy into their mouth...um..all righty then...)

Ann...present!
Gill...present!
Anita...present!
Maureen...present!
Anita...present!
Barbara...present!
Einion...present!
Jessica...present!

Did I miss anybody?

Oh, benighted and Marianne, welcome!

Welcome everyone! Thanks for joining. I'm glad I could fill in. This will be fun. We've got a bigger class than I expected, but there's room for everyone. Don't hesitate to join in. Even if you are late I won't send you to the school office.

First of all, if you don't have glazing liquid, then you might try another liquid medium--something that won't dry too fast.

I'll try to answer your questions as I go along, but I might not answer everyone personally.

Let's begin...

I chose a simple apple from the Reference Image Library so we could focus on the topic of blending and glazing.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Oct-2005/10671-apple_original_sml.jpg

I've cropped the image and placed the apple where I think it looks best--not dead center and with the shadow mostly showing. I used PhotoShop to do this.

Don't worry about the AstroTurf. We'll come up with something better.

First we need to transfer the image to our support. I'm using 8x10 stretched canvas.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Oct-2005/10671-apple_drawing_sml.JPG

maverick

10-05-2005, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the kind comments on my web site.

BTW, who left this apple on my desk? Do we have a teacher's pet in the class? :D

I normally shade my charcoal drawing by rubbing my finger. These are all steps that I find very helpful in keeping track of my values later on. I don't take it too far though because I'll be painting over this, and I'll make corrections as I go along. I just want all the key areas basically shaded dark, medium or light.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Oct-2005/10671-apple_charcoal_sml.JPG

maverick

10-05-2005, 07:19 PM

I have no apple, but I have a b&w underpainting of my girlfriend that I am not affraid to spoil!!

Andre, you can paint the same apple I'm painting, but you could easily adapt this technique for a figure painting. Pears and apples aren't all that different from certain...ahem...aspects of the female form. Is it hot in here or is it just me?

maverick

10-05-2005, 07:26 PM

Hi Maverick.... I can't actually find acrylic "glazing" medium in Suffolk :crying: .... will a thick matt medium and plenty of flow improver do instead...?! <~ever hopeful

You could give it a try. As I mentioned, a liquid medium might be better. You'll have to dilute it with water. I haven't used flow improver before, but it sounds like it should work. Let us know!

I won't be using the glazing liquid until the later stages. At the beginning I use straight water.

maverick

10-05-2005, 07:56 PM

Here's my underpainting steps. I try to think in terms of dark, medium and light without getting too picky about shading. I use a thin wash of burnt umber mostly, and I apply paint straight from the tube in the darkest places. The charcoal will mix with the paint and darken it, but it won't do that on the next layers.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Oct-2005/10671-apple_underpainting_a_sml.JPG

I don't like any white showing at all, just by chance I miss the same tiny spot all through the process and end up with a white pin hole.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Oct-2005/10671-apple_underpainting_b_sml.JPG

Next step is a glaze of red using either watered down tube paint or fluid acrylics...

maverick

10-05-2005, 08:12 PM

I realize this class isn't about underpainting, but since some people want to glaze over an underpainting, I've shown my underpainting steps.

Here I've applied a glaze (or wash) of red. I have three reds: Naphthol Red Medium (darkest), Naphthol Red Light (medium) and Cadmium Red Light (light). This layer is my darkest red.

You can subsitute other reds; you don't have to use exactly what I have. If you need to mix your reds, try adding a bit of yellow and/or white to lighten it, but you don't want hot pink. To darken your red you can add some blue or green. Maybe color mixing could be another class, but I'm like on of those cooks who use a pinch of this and a pinch of that and don't write anything down!

This stage might be familiar to some of you. I've heard this more than once: "I tried glazing over an underpainting, and it ended up looking like a tinted photo! What did I do wrong!?" What you did wrong is you thought you were finished and that glazing was magic. It happened to me the very first time I tried it, so don't be ashamed! A full value underpainting plus glaze does not equal a finished picture. The underpainting is just a map, and there is more blending and glazing to do.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_1_sml.JPG

Next we start to blend a lighter red to build the apple's form so it doesn't look so flat...

Nitsa

10-05-2005, 08:36 PM

Andre, you can paint the same apple I'm painting, but you could easily adapt this technique for a figure painting. Pears and apples aren't all that different from certain...ahem...aspects of the female form. Is it hot in here or is it just me?

LOL!!!
*watching with much interest* ;)

AndreS347

10-05-2005, 09:12 PM

apples or... not, I am going to do it! Tonight! Tonight! is my first glazing session!! :clap: You guys are probably all sleepy by now, but here in Alaska it's only 5pm and I just got off work, and running home to do some glazing! :)
Andre
Maverick, if you (anyone else) know the answer to this question: how to mix skin color for glazing for it to be cool (not like in kewl, but like in cold colors)?

thanks
A.

Anita Murphy

10-05-2005, 10:23 PM

First of all, if you don't have glazing liquid, then you might try another liquid medium--something that won't dry too fast.

WOOHOOO I've got some medium - going to be ready to go tomorrow!
'Scuse me if I am late for class - on crutches and it takes me a while to hobble in! :D
And you went and posted tons of homework!!!
Do you want us to do the same image as you?????

wlslady

10-06-2005, 01:09 AM

Since I'm new at this I'm uploading from step one the drawing then the shading hope this is ok. :rolleyes:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Oct-2005/68897-DSC00410.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Oct-2005/68897-DSC00412.JPG

daisy27

10-06-2005, 03:32 AM

Here is step one the drawing, Working in the shading...:)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Oct-2005/68899-Jessica_Apple.jpg

wlslady

10-06-2005, 11:49 AM

Maverick,
When you finally applied the red glaze/wash did you apply it to the whole painting or to just the apple? Really new here haven't painted in layers before or even done this underlaying. I have been doing craft projects in a different style, but it isn't me so started trying my own style, and found all of you.

Charlie's Mum

10-06-2005, 12:33 PM

Alyssa, I think you'll find the red is on the apple only at this stage ......... what M. will be doing with the background, we can only guess!!!!!!

The burnt umber is over the whole painting - watching those tones!

Mark - just putting this in until you are back at your desk! ........ forgot my 'Prefect badge'! (Do you have Prefects in the USA?) :D

pameladallaire

10-06-2005, 06:59 PM

daisy27

10-06-2005, 07:03 PM

Ok here is the second part of my apple
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Oct-2005/68899-Jessica_Apple2.jpg

Hoofmama

10-06-2005, 07:36 PM

Oh goodie! I'm so glad someone is finally teaching about glazing with acrylics. Thanks, Maverick! I've been holding on to an underpainting I did with acrylics when I was lurking on the oil painting forum's "Painting from the Masters" project sites. It is a copy of a seated nude by William Bouguereau. I did well on the underpainting, but have been too scared to glaze it. So far I'm only able to get information on glazing with oils, but I'd rather not have to change mediums. Maybe I can learn enough in class to feel confident enough to finish it. She looks so cold without color...brrrrrr! I'll be lurking in the back of the classroom. Carry on...pretend I'm not here...

maverick

10-06-2005, 07:44 PM

[QUOTE=AndreS347]Maverick, if you (anyone else) know the answer to this question: how to mix skin color for glazing for it to be cool (not like in kewl, but like in cold colors)?QUOTE]

Andre, I don't have a lot of experience with skin tones, so I'm afraid I won't be of much help. For caucasian skin I believe you would need white, red, yellow, and green or blue for the shadows.

maverick

10-06-2005, 07:46 PM

Do you want us to do the same image as you?????

It might be easier to do the same image, but you don't have to. You'll have to adapt what I'm doing to your image where applicable.

maverick

10-06-2005, 07:48 PM

When you finally applied the red glaze/wash did you apply it to the whole painting or to just the apple?

Maureen is correct about the red. It only goes on the apple at this stage.

maverick

10-06-2005, 07:50 PM

Mark - just putting this in until you are back at your desk! ........ forgot my 'Prefect badge'! (Do you have Prefects in the USA?) :D

I suppose so, but I'm in Canada! :D I notice we're both in the same county--Durham! There's a lot of British place names around here.

maverick

10-06-2005, 07:54 PM

Oh no, I'm a whole day late for class! But I have an underpainting ready. :) Unfortunately, I don't think I can glaze on red. I have a landscape and water painting, what do I do after the black and white? Do you want me to post the pic? Pam

No problem. Glad to have you join.

If you're working on a different painting, you might want to wait and see how this process works first, and adapt the technique for what you're working on.

By water painting, do you mean water color or a painting depicting water? Post the pic and I'll see if I can help.

maverick

10-06-2005, 08:16 PM

Thanks for joining Hoofmama. You're in the same predicament as Andre. I think you can adapt this technique fairly easily once you see how it works.

I see some have already jumped in and finished their drawings. That's great!

OK...here is the cropped color version of the apple image as a reminder. I boosted the contrast a bit, because I like high contrast images.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Oct-2005/10671-apple_color_sml.jpg

The next step is to start building up the lighter areas. I'm not entirely sure why I do it this way, but to me the image starts to emerge out of the darkness, and it's kind of exciting. I've taken my lightest red straight from the tube. I don't use any medium yet. It's hard to do this with fluid acrylics since it's a dry brush technique. I'm not sure if you call this glazing per se, or blending or scumbling. I usually call it scrubbing. Some of the underlying layer shows through because of the canvas texture and also the thinness of the paint in spots, especially around the edges.

What I do is take a bristle brush and pick a spot where the apple is lighter, and I start scrubbing in tight circles all the while working in a larger spiral pattern. As the paint is used up and dries, the outer edges appear very soft and blend in with the underlying color without painting wet into wet. If you're not working on a round area, then your outer pattern will have to adjust to the shape, but you still do the tight circles.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_2_sml.JPG

I'm afraid I got home late today, so I've lost the daylight. I'll continue on my version of the painting and post the next progress photo as soon as I can.

maverick

10-06-2005, 08:25 PM

Sorry for the bad photo. It isn't as bright as that in RL.

pameladallaire

10-06-2005, 10:00 PM

Here is my underpainting, don't mind the book in the right bottom corner holding it upright. I am going to do the trees at the end, I want to glaze the bottom part of the water and rocks.

Dewi

10-06-2005, 10:51 PM

Hello, may I join this classroom Maverick? I consider myself a beginner.

This is my first ever using canvas and the size is 20X30 cm, so first time too using tracing paper and transfer it to canvas, since I don’t have charcoal I’m using pencil and graphite 2B. Maybe not dark enough so after transferring see no mark at all, so just using graphite directly on canvas. I hope the shape is all right and picture was taken where there was no more natural light.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Oct-2005/61325-Apple_1.jpg

This picture is until glazing only with water because neither owned nor seen one but going to look for it. I’ve use 3 reds and titanium white, 2 blue. First layer of burnt umber, was too thick (just like the pic) have tried to thin it like pic2 but paint dried already so middle of apple is too dark. Could I do something with it?
Thank you for your lesson and time.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Oct-2005/61325-Apple_2.jpg

Saw your last post perhaps I could lighten the middle apple, but the lightest red I have still looking red though :)

wlslady

10-07-2005, 12:16 AM

well this is my apple after applying the red coat, It feels a bit dark in areas, and the shape since I drew it free hand is a bit different ,rather like my moms favorite apple the red delicious instead of the johnathon looking one you have drawn.
After a wash with burnt umber:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2005/68897-DSC00416.JPG

I tried doing the circles and followed the shape of mine, and got this.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2005/68897-DSC00418.JPG
I think it looked better when it was brown.:o :p

asmith38

10-07-2005, 12:16 AM

BTW, who left this apple on my desk?

It was a Florida Orange, because I'll be late getting started :o . "Life" just happened these past few days :crying: .

amaze_1101

10-07-2005, 04:18 AM

Hi Mark :wave:
I'm reading along, not doing the practice yet but just reading the theory seeing how you go about it. Guess you could say I'm peeping through the window of the classroom like one of those poor school misfit. :cool:

I love your work.

Dewi

10-07-2005, 06:21 AM

maverick

10-07-2005, 08:06 AM

I’m sorry Maverick, luckily before going to art shop I check my art supply and at the bottom of drawer saw Clear Glaze Medium, so it’s been there all along. Could I paint one more time or let it be? Thanks.

Not to worry...we haven't used the glazing medium yet. I only use it during the final stages.

Folks...don't mind too much how it looks right now. We're at the ugly stage. When you glaze over your underpainting it always looks flat. The key is to allow your underpainting to still show through. The next step is to start forming the parts that stick out in three-dimensional space. Then after that, its just a matter of making corrections (value, color, and form).

maverick

10-07-2005, 08:10 AM

maverick

10-07-2005, 08:28 AM

It was a Florida Orange, because I'll be late getting started :o . "Life" just happened these past few days :crying: .

Oops! I can't tell an apple from an orange it seems...maybe I shouldn't be showing anyone how to paint an apple! :D

Lady Carol

10-07-2005, 10:33 AM

Charlie's Mum

10-07-2005, 11:17 AM

(Blushing furiously) - sorry about the geography mix-up Mark - never was my strong point!!!!!!!

(Memo to self - Sir lives in CANADA!)

Durham is a very nice place to be :wink2: (There, or here!)

Could I point out to those using titanium white, that, being opaque, it will cover up your underpainting? ........ glazes should be transparent :)

I'm off to get out my paints and apple ........... SYL :wave:

Anita Murphy

10-07-2005, 11:21 AM

I am having a problem with my cad light glaze. Should the paint be thick or thin? Many layers? Each time I put one on I seem to take it back off again. Does that mean my paint is too wet?

daisy27

10-07-2005, 02:13 PM

Ok here is the under painting and the first wash in red

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2005/68899-Jessica_Apple3.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2005/68899-Jessica_Apple4.jpg
I also have a question
How do you know what paints are opaque and which are transparent?

amaze_1101

10-07-2005, 02:47 PM

Now I'm nervous! :eek: :D

NERVOUS???? Why on earth would you be nervous, I promise I won't break the window. :angel:

Lady Carol

10-07-2005, 04:49 PM

I also have a question
How do you know what paints are opaque and which are transparent?
We just had this question answered in another thread recently. They say so on the tube.

Anita Murphy

10-07-2005, 05:18 PM

Don't think mine looks anything like Teachers! :o http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2005/58769-IMG_2188.jpg

Charlie's Mum

10-07-2005, 06:02 PM

Anita - it looks like YOURS :D ...... and looking good too!

Jessica - if you study a tube, (cos the symbol is small), you'll find a little square - empty, black, half and half ........ = transparent, opaque and semi-op. :D

firehorse6646927

10-07-2005, 06:22 PM

Sorry I'm late Sir.... <~~ hands in note from Boss explaining need to work.... occasionally...

Just done the pencil sketch so far... but the other half is working tomorrow so I have several hours of peace and quiet in which to get the paints out.... bliss

maverick

10-07-2005, 09:13 PM

Errrrrrrmmmmmmmm!!!!! Sorry I am late Mr. Maverick. I have a note from me Mum *handing it over with trembling fingers* She doesn't like early classes as it cuts into her sleeping time and she does have to drive me to school, you know.

This is going to be such a good thread. Thanks for rescuing the classroom for this month. You're a hero (well for October at least) :D

You get a drive to school!?! I had to walk 2 miles through driving rain, blizzards, and scorching sun (not all on the same day mind you)!...Did I mention bare feet?

Glad I could do this. It's great experience for me.

maverick

10-07-2005, 09:16 PM

NERVOUS???? Why on earth would you be nervous, I promise I won't break the window. :angel:

Nervous because I keep seeing the students smirking at the funny expressions you are making behind my back!

maverick

10-07-2005, 09:28 PM

How do you know what paints are opaque and which are transparent?

Carol and Maureen are right. There should be an opacity code on the tube/bottle. Mine say SO for semi-opaque, O for opaque, T for transparent.

I wouldn't be too concerned about that for this exercise. I've been paying no attention to it. When we add a wee bit of water or glazing liquid, you can make an opaque paint more transparent. Maureen is right too. Titanium White is very opaque, but I've been know to glaze with it...you'll see.

To everyone who's posted something so far: excellent! I can see the uniqueness in all your work, which is a good thing (Did someone say something? Who's Martha Stewart? Is she the lunch lady?)

maverick

10-07-2005, 09:33 PM

OK. Things may move a bit more quickly from here, but I'll try to post progress photos at timely intervals. I'm going to bring out more of the form with...um...what do I call it? It's a combination of scumbling, glazing, and blending...gumbling, sclazing, blazing...bumbling...that's it!

gnu

10-07-2005, 10:11 PM

sorry Mav, may have to come back next month, having to dismantle painting gear to make way for new kitchen arriving in about 10 days. I will use your lesson though, because I do want to practice using glazing. I'll pop in and read, but art is taking a back seat for now..(just as well I got the competition paintings and the comssion done real early!)

maverick

10-07-2005, 10:15 PM

That's the great thing about this Gill, you can come and go at your leisure.

Will the new kitchen have a special corner to set up your "studio"?

gnu

10-07-2005, 10:25 PM

nah just the same as before, half the dining table half the dining room(corner in front of the bird who gets mad at my canvas, and fluffs his feathere everywhere at the WRONG time causing me to hastily turn my easel and cover the palette!!), but for all that he's a good companion and I think he likes that I talk to him as I paint(spasmodically!) I have a wheeled trolley to keep my supplies on and in, so it helps avoid clutter.

amaze_1101

10-07-2005, 11:29 PM

Nervous because I keep seeing the students smirking at the funny expressions you are making behind my back!
Who ME?? Now I wouldn't do such a thing. Not me sir! Nope, that funny expression was from the head mistress as she walked by the classroom. I distinctly saw her do this...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2005/41055-GIFhideousf.gif

firehorse6646927

10-08-2005, 08:51 AM

Underpainting, 1st layer of red, 2nd layer of red done.... which for some reason WC won't let me upload (it says they're not a valid file... but they're .jpg's?!?)

What's next Mr Maverick ...?

Charlie's Mum

10-08-2005, 10:08 AM

Marianne - there's a problem with the site re uploading - it's not your file, it's WC!
Grr! We'll just have to try to be patient!!!!!!!

laudesan

10-08-2005, 10:14 AM

I have been following this thread with great interest. Peeping through the window with Elaine..:D

I am popping in to suggest you do what i did to upload a pic, I went to www.photobucket.com

Worked a treat, and my latest painting is now in the watercolour gallery..:D

Lady Carol

10-08-2005, 10:16 AM

You get a drive to school!?! I had to walk 2 miles through driving rain, blizzards, and scorching sun (not all on the same day mind you)!...Did I mention bare feet?

Hey, you didn't mention that it was up hill both ways :D

Lady Carol

10-08-2005, 10:19 AM

Is she the lunch lady?)
Did you say lunch? Cool. I am hungry. Me Mum forgot to give me any brekkie this morning.

maverick

10-08-2005, 10:49 AM

Did you say lunch? Cool. I am hungry. Me Mum forgot to give me any brekkie this morning.

I just saw the lunch lady blowing kisses in the window. I'm sure she has some nice gruel ready if anyone wants to take a break!

maverick

10-08-2005, 10:52 AM

OK class, settle down!

I'm painting and taking scans as I go along. I'll have some updates in a few minutes...

maverick

10-08-2005, 10:57 AM

Looks like WC ran out of disk space for images! :eek:

I'll check back this afternoon (teacher has to go to the airport for a few hours).

Charlie's Mum

10-08-2005, 11:55 AM

Well, I've done my homework and I'll upload when I can!

JJ - tried photobucket but it wouldn't let me register - kept asking for 'required fields' but I'd entered everything!!!!!
You obviously have a magic touch with it! :D

Hey Mark - teachers aren't supposed to take airport trips when in Class!!!!!!!
But OK - this time ;) :angel:

Charlie's Mum

10-08-2005, 12:46 PM

Got such a shock at the Head coming by that I couldn't upload my pics - she's got everyone on WC! terrified! :wink2:

This is approx 9x11", on canvas.

Here are my four stages of homework Sir :
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_charcoal.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_underpainting,_1_coat.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_1st_red_glaze.jpg

So far so good I thought, then the apple started to go pear shaped!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_2nd_red_glaze.jpg

Maybe it's the older paint I used for this layer.
I did use it undiluted, straight from the tube, dry brushing in circles ......... too thick Sir?
Maybe I should have lightened it with a little yellow.
Ah well, live and learn!

firehorse6646927

10-08-2005, 12:47 PM

Woohoo... WC is working again!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/55584-AppleUnderpainting.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/55584-AppleGlaze01.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/55584-AppleGlaze02.jpg

Charlie's Mum

10-08-2005, 02:26 PM

Thanks for the info on photobucket Marianne - I'll give it a try in case this prob. happens again :D

maverick

10-08-2005, 03:10 PM

OK, I'm back!

Here's a reminder of our last step...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_2_250.JPG

You can see how the lighter red comes forward, so the idea is to start building the three-dimensional form of the apple. Look for the lighter areas still visible in your underpainting and scrub in some lighter reds. If you make a mistake, don't worry, it's all fixable. That's what we're doing anyhow--making corrections as we go along.

We're not putting this on very thick. The key is to see what was underneath, even if it's just faintly visible. You can reestablish your values on the next layer if you find you're losing track of them.

Here's the next progression:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_3_sml.jpg

Here I've continued building the form with lighter reds. I've also added a tiny bit of white in the same manner as the light red. This does not mean we're finished. The white will get covered up again with red a couple more times in different layers.

Next we will further establish the darks. It's time to get out the glazing liquid!

maverick

10-08-2005, 03:18 PM

I've taken some Payne's Gray and some glazing liquid and applied it to the dark areas. Around the outside of the apple I've used my watercolor brush to push the glaze towards the edges. With a bit of practice you can get the pigment to build up darker on the edges and make a lighter transition towards the inside. I wish I could show you while I'm doing this...a video would be great for this part.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_4_sml.jpg

maverick

10-08-2005, 03:22 PM

If you don't have Payne's Gray, you can mix some black and ultramarine blue together to make a very dark blue.

maverick

10-08-2005, 03:42 PM

Moving along...

It looks like I've taken a big step back here. I've glazed red over my white and established the darks even more. Why would I do this? Good question. I've always just done it and never had to explain it to myself. The next layer will build up what we lost and a bit more.

There's just something about layer upon layer that finally starts to look realistic. I suppose it has something to do with all the variations in the layers and the way light reacts to it. I've thought about it this way. When they want to enhance a digital image, they take the same image multiple times. Each copy has some defects--noise. But these defects are in different places. When they merge the images together, the noise is minimized by the other copies that don't have noise in the same places. I think it kind of works the same way with paint. Your first layer looks awful. The second looks a bit better. The third looks OK, but not as good as your second. The third is an improvement...and so on. It all adds up to become the final image with all the defects minimized by good layers on top. Clear as a muddy underpainting? Good!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_5_sml.jpg

maverick

10-08-2005, 03:52 PM

Building up another layer...

Keep adding glazing liquid to your paint to keep it slightly transparent. You'll learn by trial and error how much to add.

I decided to work on the stem and the area around it. It's not perfect yet. Colors I used were Naples Yellow, Titanium White, Warm White, Burnt Sienna, and Raw Sienna.

Other things that you don't see me doing between photos are...adjusting various areas lighter or darker and comparing it to my reference image. I'm always tweaking things here and there. It's difficult to note them all in a WIP like this. The biggest challenge is the area around the stem and the top of the apple. You need to get the values right so it will look believable.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_6_sml.jpg

Anita Murphy

10-08-2005, 04:15 PM

Still doesn't look like Teach's - How come your darks are so dark???? Have I lost something somewhere?
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/58769-IMG_2191.jpg

ottwork

10-08-2005, 07:03 PM

Okay, Mr. Maverick, sir. I realize I'm late with my homework, but my dog ate my paintbrush. :D

Here are my first couple of stages...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/64088-scan000411.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Oct-2005/64088-scan00051.jpg

I'm off to find my umber...

maverick

10-08-2005, 08:01 PM

Still doesn't look like Teach's - How come your darks are so dark???? Have I lost something somewhere?

Your's isn't going to look like mine because you are you and I am me! We all have our own interpretation and style...which is the way it should be. The class is about blending and glazing with acrylics, not how to paint realistically.

You're doing fine. I think your darks are dark enough. I'll be lightening mine later anyway.

maverick

10-08-2005, 08:08 PM

Okay, Mr. Maverick, sir. I realize I'm late with my homework, but my dog ate my paintbrush. :D

No problem...actually I think my dog ate one of mine too...can't find my favorite round brush...

Looking good...

maverick

10-08-2005, 08:10 PM

doesn't look too pretty to me, but I read that I shouldn't worry - just yet.

PS - Teach? . about how many layers of red you have on at your last image??

This is correct! We're not even close to being finished yet.

Layers? There's no rule to how many there should be, and I haven't been counting...sorry!

wlslady

10-09-2005, 12:06 AM

Nasent,

I see nothing wrong with your apple. It has it's circular red lights where they look like they should be to me, and you have the area shaded where the stem is as if it is actually going down into the apple as it should, and your dark highlights look good to. I think you have done a very nice job. Of course I'm no expert, but I like it.:wave:

I had to start mine all over as I had started mine on acrylic paper, it didn't hold up it started to wrinkle and buckle so I went out and bout a few 9x12 artist canvas's. I have been working on mine all over since getting off work today. It will be tomorrow before I am caught up and able to post pictures again. I did get to the dark glazing tonight tho. So sorry mine will be a bit late.:)

firehorse6646927

10-09-2005, 03:30 AM

Charlie's Mum

10-09-2005, 08:02 AM

Jon - please don't fall at the first hurdle!

Nothing in acrylics is irretrievable - it can always be corrected and worked upon!

Anita - mine isn't exactly like Mark's either - I'm not used to glazing medium and so this is a learning curve for me!
I do want to be able to master a really life-like finish - even if it's just to say 'I can do it if I want to!'
My reds are not the same as Teach's, but I'll make do!

I think, at the stage of mine, I should have added more light red before going on to the dark blue mix - but here's where it is now - I'll work on lightening it again next :D

The Uploader is down again - grrrrrr!

maverick

10-09-2005, 08:59 AM

Well, I did a bit more layering, etc........ I've learned a few things including that I may not be ready for this glazing thing just yet. If this doesn't look better to me in the a.m. it's getting filed under, 'M' for..."Maybe some other time". :)

Otherwise, I will 'lurk' and follow along that way. Some nice pieces being done ya'll.

Don't give up! You were doing just fine.

Anita Murphy

10-09-2005, 09:04 AM

Maurren - I was laughing my socks off later on when I realised that it was no wonder mine didn't look like Teach's - I'd missed several steps!!!! I didn't have any cad red light either so I add cad orange to my cad red med and looked almost the same as my oil cad red light.
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1807/img22030gj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

maverick

10-09-2005, 09:17 AM

I'm going shopping for cadmium red light tomorrow.... I have six shades of red in my paintbox... but CR-L isn't among them and the shades I have just aren't doing the job :(

I think I need to move that highlight to the left a bit as well

This is looking really good! Try adding a bit of yellow to your lightest red. You don't want orange exactly, but cad light red is close to being a bit orange looking.

Don't worry about making mistakes everyone! The whole idea is to make corrections with each layer. And a layer doesn't mean you paint over the entire painting either, so don't get discouraged with the amount of work ahead. You could add a layer to one area at a time. Pick a small area on the apple and compare it to your reference, then work on that area.

I'm purposely not posting my progress pics all at once because I don't want anyone to get discouraged because their painting doesn't look like mine. That's not the purpose anyway. Like I said before, if you learn something about blending and glazing, then you've succeeded.

maverick

10-09-2005, 09:20 AM

Charlie's Mum

10-09-2005, 10:31 AM

Uploader is still down - at least for me - but have started the lightening process again ........ hope you're all using your imagination!

Anita, I've added yellow too to lighten my red :D

Charlie's Mum

10-09-2005, 12:47 PM

Stages 5,6 and 7
Added dark blue/black mix~

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_stage_5_add_blu.jpg
More dark and light reds, some yellow ~
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_stage6.jpg
Continue with glazes of both reds plus a dark purple/blue mix, worked on stalk a little ~
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_stage_7.jpg

I've lost count of the ##of layers!
I've never put so much work into a single object before - I'm learning! :D

Lady Carol

10-09-2005, 05:09 PM

"SCUSE ME!!!!!! MISTER MAVERICK"

:wave: frantically from the back row. Mr. Maverick this is looking hideous.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Oct-2005/11811-apple1-small.JPG
I must need more layers or something........ got any advice?

Charlie's Mum

10-09-2005, 05:31 PM

If it's any consolation Carol - there are about 20 layers on mine and it's still hideous! ;)

Lady Carol

10-09-2005, 05:35 PM

If it's any consolation Carol - there are about 20 layers on mine and it's still hideous! ;)
Oh!!!!! :crying:

firehorse6646927

10-09-2005, 05:59 PM

Try adding a bit of yellow to your lightest red. You don't want orange exactly, but cad light red is close to being a bit orange looking.

..... I did, lol! I added Diarylide yellow to quinacridone red... right kind of colour area but am I right in thinking Cad red is more opaque than quinacridone red... which is a transparent red....? This'd be why the mix LOOKED right on the palette but didn't perforn the same. I tried adding diarylide yellow to cad red deep but it just looked sort of muddy, nowhere near the colour I was looking for.

I know you've said it's not entirely necessary but I think I'll get some Cad red light and some naphthol red light tomorrow (i have naphthol red medium...) 'cos it'll be SOOOO much easier to get it right working with the same colour palette :) ....

....anyway, it's a good excuse to widen my collection of paints, hehehehe :D

Anita Murphy

10-09-2005, 06:25 PM

Maureen I think yours is looking wonderful!!! What are you talking about -hideous????

maverick

10-09-2005, 07:36 PM

OK class, we're doing fine.

Carol...yes, there will be more layers.

Maureen...looking good.

Here is my next step. I'm bringing the apple to life with some highlights. I'm exaggerating them a bit, but they will be toned down later. It's starting to look better now and not so ugly.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_7_sml.jpg

Oh yes, around the stem area, I've used some Raw Sienna, Titanium White, a bit of Burnt Sienna in the stem shadow. More work needs to be done here.

maverick

10-09-2005, 07:40 PM

"SCUSE ME!!!!!! MISTER MAVERICK"

:wave: frantically from the back row. Mr. Maverick this is looking hideous.
I must need more layers or something........ got any advice?

Specifically, you should now work on building the three-dimensional form by adding a lighter red. The front of the apple needs to come forward and the top of the apple's shape needs to be defined. You're just a couple of steps behind me. There's nothing wrong with what you've done!

maverick

10-09-2005, 07:43 PM

I should elaborate more on how I glazed the on the white. I put a large drop of glazing liquid on my palette and I just touch my brush in some Titanium White. I mix that tiny amount of white in with the glazing liquid, then I brush it on.

laudesan

10-09-2005, 07:52 PM

Mr Maverick, are you working on the background at the same time as the apple?????????????

maverick

10-09-2005, 08:00 PM

I keep working on the form of the apple with my various reds concentrating on finer detail on each layer.

I've done more work on the stem with Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, White and Naples Yellow. There's no secret formula. I'm just using whatever earth colors I have that make sense. The dark side of the stem is Payne's Gray. I've added a bit of Sap Green to the stem shadow.

When I'm adjusting colors, like in the shadow area, I'm glazing. The two color layers will add together to form a new color. That's basically how glazing works. Color mixing may get you the same color, but glazed colors have a different quality because of the way the light bounces around in the layers.

You will notice also in the highlights, I've glazed Ultramarine blue. Just a teeny tiny bit mixed in with glazing liquid. I may have added a touch of Titanium White also.

The lower right blemish and highlight has a bit of Cadmium Yellow Medium glazed over it. You could leave out the blemish if you like a more idealized apple.

I'm getting tired of looking at the drab background and shadow, so I've started to work on that also. I've decided to transition from very dark at the top to very light at the bottom. Payne's Gray is my base dark. Sap Green and Yellow are in my light area so far. The shadow has Paynes Gray as the first layer. Then Sap Green and Yellow, then Red...all in glazed layers.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_8_sml.jpg

maverick

10-09-2005, 08:06 PM

Mr Maverick, are you working on the background at the same time as the apple?????????????

I've been concentrating on the apple because I hadn't decided what to do about the background until now. I wasn't going to attempt AstroTurf, and probably for a couple of good reasons. It's more difficult to paint, and it's kinda ugly.

I've started the background just now...

laudesan

10-09-2005, 08:15 PM

Thank you. I see if I hjad waited I would have had my answer..:D

This is a terrific classroom!!

maverick

10-09-2005, 08:23 PM

Thank you. I see if I hjad waited I would have had my answer..:D

This is a terrific classroom!!

Thank you Judy-Joy! I hope it's helpful to everyone.

maverick

10-09-2005, 08:30 PM

I know you've said it's not entirely necessary but I think I'll get some Cad red light and some naphthol red light tomorrow (i have naphthol red medium...) 'cos it'll be SOOOO much easier to get it right working with the same colour palette :) ....

....anyway, it's a good excuse to widen my collection of paints, hehehehe :D

It will be easier if you have a light red. I was painting so many apples and tomatoes I decided to get a range of reds to make it easier--and it is.

I have Pyrrole Red Light in my collection of fluid acrylics (they were out of cad red light). It seems to work just as well although it's slightly different.

laudesan

10-09-2005, 08:34 PM

I shall be joining in this week. this looks like fun.. think I have all the supplies..:)

maverick

10-09-2005, 11:10 PM

I shall be joining in this week. this looks like fun.. think I have all the supplies..:)

Looking forward to having you join!

maverick

10-09-2005, 11:13 PM

wlslady

10-10-2005, 02:29 AM

OK I got mine transfered to the 9x12 artist board, and have got to this stage.

It's starting to look more like an apple. Habe to work the next 3 days so unsure how much I'll get done in that time, but will do what I can.
I for got to get a pic of it in it's sarkest stage sorry about that. These are both after that point.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/68897-DSC00421.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/68897-DSC00422.JPG

bjcpaints

10-10-2005, 09:05 AM

Does anyone have any thoughts about the pace of the class or the information I'm providing? Should I pick up the pace? Slow it down? Does anyone have any questions? Have I failed to answer any of your questions?Just trying to make this a positive and useful experience for everyone...

Very positive, very useful. Thank you so much. I have just been incredibly busy and am about to go away for a week but I printed the initial stages of instruction out and am taking them "to go". Hopefully when I get back I will be ready to do the steps you showed yesterday. Going for the napthol reds at lunchbreak today!

Barbara

maverick

10-10-2005, 10:03 AM

OK I got mine transfered to the 9x12 artist board, and have got to this stage.

This is a nice start. We'll be here when you get back.

maverick

10-10-2005, 10:19 AM

Going for the napthol reds at lunchbreak today!

It's good if you find 3 shades of red that work together. There's nothing special about Naphthol Red, except I may have been trying to avoid having too much cadmium around as it has been liked to cancer (not too worried about it in paint...just being careful)

maverick

10-10-2005, 10:40 AM

All right, I have the first layer done on the background. The green looks garish, but that's OK. It's going to be covered up mostly. The dark area at the top is Payne's Gray. The lighter area at the bottom is Sap Green and Cadmium Yellow Medium (Hue) (whatever yellow I had lying around).

As I mentioned before...there are little things you don't see me doing. I'm adding finer detail all over the apple as I see the need for corrections based on the reference photo. It's important for me to have the shape of the apple to look believable, so I pay attention to the value transitions from the brightly lit side of the apple to the edges. The top of the apple is more difficult to do, but it has to be shaded well also. I'm just using my 3 reds and Payne's Gray to do that.

Again, don't forget to use a bit of glazing liquid or liquid medium (not too much or too little--trial and error is the way I learned).

We've just made a whole bunch of mistakes and successively covered them up using the glazing techique. The apple is starting to gradually come into focus.

Even with the "ugly" background, the apple looks much better doesn't it?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_9_sml.jpg

Anita Murphy

10-10-2005, 10:58 AM

maverick

10-10-2005, 11:01 AM

I thought it might be useful to point something out here about the way I'm glazing as I work towards the edges of the apple. Glazing allows you to make very subtle transitions.

In this closeup, you can see how I've glazed my darkest red over the dark area near the edge of the apple (previous layers of Payne's Gray and Red). I add a bit more glazing liquid to my red as I get closer to the edge. I'm dabbing and brushing it on with my watercolor brush as I go. No hard scrubbing here as it isn't necessary. The paint flows very easily.

In the closeup, you can see where I'm following the curve of the apple and I've been able to transition from light to dark, from saturated red to a very thin hint of red.

The apple has natural variations on the surface, so the transition doesn't have to be absolutely smooth all the way.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_closeup_1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_closeup_2.jpg

Anita Murphy

10-10-2005, 11:08 AM

:crying: mine is never going to look like that! :crying:

maverick

10-10-2005, 11:12 AM

The pace is just fine - even though I have fallen a little behind. :D
Need to get my act together a little today and do some more work on this.

When you describe a stage to us - is that just one layer or many layers? After what Maureen said about her layers (and hers is looking so good) I suddenly wondered if I am trying to get it to look like something in one go when it should take longer.

You can take as long as you want to catch up. This thread should be here as long as WC exists!

Unfortunately, I can't show you every little detail that I'm working on, so each stage is more of a logical stage where I felt I had done enough work to show it. Don't think of it in numbers of layers. We are just generally layering as we go. There's no magic number. But as a general guideline, the more layers you have the better it will look. I might work on a small area and put 2 or three layers, like in the stem shadow. Elsewhere I might do one layer of red. Then I might work on the stem (which doesn't really have a lot of layers or glazing). Then I might take a photo of my work and try to describe what I've done. It's hard for me to take pictures of each small thing I'm doing. I think it would interrupt the process too much. If only I could make a video of what I'm doing it would be much clearer.

Charlie's Mum

10-10-2005, 11:22 AM

The pace is fine Mark - as you say,this thread will be here when we aren't :wink2:

I find it useful to compare my scans at the different stages - so I can see how much the apple has (or has not) changed.

I've also been glazing reds back over the darker glazes to build richness (I hope!) ... and sometimes adding the lighter red to increase form ...... had to re-establish my highlights at one point.

I'm using nylon brushes now I'm not 'scrubbing' any more!

The explanations are fine Mark - thanks for all the detail; I knowit isn't easy to remember everything you've done and the order you do it in, because so much painting is done on the sub-conscious level when you're 'in the groove'! :D ....but you're making it really clear!

maverick

10-10-2005, 11:31 AM

:crying: mine is never going to look like that! :crying:

Don't give up yet! Take a look at my first stages.

maverick

10-10-2005, 11:35 AM

I find it useful to compare my scans at the different stages - so I can see how much the apple has (or has not) changed.

I've also been glazing reds back over the darker glazes to build richness (I hope!) ... and sometimes adding the lighter red to increase form ...... had to re-establish my highlights at one point.

I'm using nylon brushes now I'm not 'scrubbing' any more!

The explanations are fine Mark - thanks for all the detail; I knowit isn't easy to remember everything you've done and the order you do it in, because so much painting is done on the sub-conscious level when you're 'in the groove'! :D ....but you're making it really clear!

Maureen! You've got it!!! :clap: This is exactly what I was trying to convey.

maverick

10-10-2005, 02:44 PM

Probably what I should have done is left out my initial stages and demonstrated the glazing techique on a partially completed painting. My intention wasn't to teach drawing, underpainting and how to render 3D shapes. This seems to have confused things and made it more difficult to understand glazing. (BTW the class was Blending and Glazing, but I now realize most people wanted to learn about just glazing).

Glazing is pretty simple. Brush one color down and let it dry. Use some glazing medium (some people use water, but I find it harder to use water personally) and add a different color to it and then brush that color down. The result is the two colors added together.

The comment about "bumbling" was just a joke, not a real painting technique :D

maverick

10-10-2005, 03:08 PM

Here's an up close example of glazing vs. mixing.

Every square has the base color of Naphthol Red Medium.

The top row has glazed colors and the bottom row has the same colors mixed.

The purpose of glazing is to mix the colors optically. The effect is different than mixing. Depending on the effect you want to acheive, glazing can be very useful. The order of your layers and saturation of your glaze can also change the result.

(There's no reason for my color choices)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/10671-glazing_example.JPG

Hopefully in this class I've given you some ideas on how to apply glazing in a painting.

firehorse6646927

10-10-2005, 03:40 PM

The pace is fine... the beauty of the internet is that if I can't paint for a few days (that thing called "work" gets in the way...) I can always catch up when I have more time.... fri/sat/sun/mon will be "forget everything, leave me alone, I'm painting" days.

I now have the cad red light (it's practically orange!) and the naphthol red light so I will be scrubbing the CRL in then hitting the glazes next time I get a chance to paint (wednesday or thursday at this rate... :( )

btw Maverick, a friend asked me tonight why I was painting "just" an apple...., suggesting it was a simple thing to paint. I showed him this thread. He said "....oh... ok, not simple....". He loved your still life apples as well :clap:

maverick

10-10-2005, 04:44 PM

maverick

10-10-2005, 05:55 PM

I can understand why my process might be frustrating. Everyone eventually settles on their own process, and trying to follow a different one can be difficult. It's not a natural flow for that person.

This is not the only way to paint a picture either. I've experimented with many different ways. This is where I'm at now. It may change. Don't get caught up in my order of doing things. That's not really the point. Glaze, scumble, glaze, glaze, glaze...might work for this, but it's not a formula to follow all the time. If I was painting a landscape it would be totally different...but I might use glazing somewhere! :D

I take some of the blame for not being clear. I'm not a teacher and may never be one. Some people have that gift. I'm probably as clear as mud! (I could show you how to glaze a nice mud if you like!)

Charlie's Mum

10-10-2005, 05:56 PM

Jon, it's extremely difficult to see any differences between glazing, blending, layering ... for many, they are the same thing! Lol - add in scumbling and we're all bumbling around!

It's also difficult, when used to painting alla prima, to realise just how labour-intensive and time consuming glazing/blending/layering can be.

I've been taking our Art Club through the process of painting a rose using squaring up - to get an accurate and enlarged drawing; underpainting- to study tones and understand their importance; and then layering colour on top - to get a coloured rose complete with all the 3dimensionality the underpainting gave.
All of them wanted to paint a rose like mine (they'd seen one!): none of them was prepared for the amount of work involved and the time it is taking ..... even though I told them the process was not a quick fix!
They've already learnt a considerable amount - those sticking with it are learning more and their sense of achievement is huge.

I urge you Jon, please don't give up - think of the satisfaction at the end! :wink2:

Mr. M - Teach - you don't need to blame yourself for putting those first steps in at all - I think they're important building blocks.
This class is going well and we're all learning from it!

Thank you Mark :D

PS - Mark, we just xposted! - but I think we're saying essentially the same things :D

maverick

10-10-2005, 06:02 PM

I'm almost finished.

All I can say at this point is to keep refining the details. I've worked mainly on boosting the brightness of the red at the front of the apple, and I've added some spots. The spots are too uniformly bright, so I will glaze over most of them with some red and try to vary them. The highlight at the bottom is too bright also, so I will glaze some yellow and green over that since it's a reflection of the foreground.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_10_sml.jpg

I should also mention, I've worked on the background and foreground some more. I glazed naples yellow over the light green at the bottom, and some Sap Green in the background. The transition from dark to light has Sap Green glazed over Naples Yellow and vice versa.

And I almost forgot the shadow...it has Sap Green, Naples Yellow and Red all glazed in there. The darkest dark under the apple is Payne's Gray.

daisy27

10-10-2005, 06:15 PM

sorry so late putting my painting in....:o

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/68899-Jessica_Apple5.jpg

firehorse6646927

10-10-2005, 06:27 PM

Despite my best efforts to get on with the stuff I'm supposed to be doing.... laundry, tidying etc. etc.... yawn..... I couldn't do it.... the paints just sat there whispering "play with us...."....

...and you know what...? I think it just might be starting to sink in.... a little...

Still at least a fortnight behind the teacher but....
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/55584-AppleGlaze04.jpg

Oh, and I found glazing medium... :D and I've NEARLY figured out what to do with it, lol

maverick

10-10-2005, 06:33 PM

sorry so late putting my painting in....:o

Glad to have you back Jessica!

maverick

10-10-2005, 06:41 PM

I think it just might be starting to sink in.... a little...

Oh, and I found glazing medium... :D and I've NEARLY figured out what to do with it, lol

This is great Marianne! This looks very three-dimensional.

maverick

10-10-2005, 06:49 PM

I'm going to post the rest of my work. I may not have very much time this week to do it. I'm anticipating a lot of overtime at my day job.

I've toned down the highlight at the bottom as I promised, and worked a little more on the lighter red areas at the front and top of the apple. I also glazed some more red into the shadow. I haven't got to toning down the spots, but I will on the next progress pic.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_11_sml.jpg

maverick

10-10-2005, 07:02 PM

I've toned down the spots and made other little refinements. I'm not at the point where I may be doing more harm than good, so I'm going to stop.

I'm not entirely satisfied with the photos. It was getting dark outside. The apple's shadow looks darker than it is, and the highlight is brighter than it is (seems contradictory, but it's true).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_final_sml.JPG

I always like to see a finished painting in a frame...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Oct-2005/10671-apple_glaze_final_framed_sml.JPG

Please continue and finish your paintings! I'll check in during my breaks, so I can answer questions.

Anita Murphy

10-10-2005, 09:45 PM

I didn't get any done today - my DH decided to clear out the computer room/my art space so I couldn't get near my paint. I am going to work on this week and hope to have something respectable to post by the end of the week.

Godzoned

10-10-2005, 10:45 PM

Dewi

10-11-2005, 12:30 AM

Hello again Maverick, this is my apple I think around post #108 and don't have all the colour you had mentioned. Have done some scrapping (slowly) before this because trying to change the highlight from the middle to the upper left and becoming thick (gooey). Couldn't have that trasparence or shinning colour like yours and I don't remember anymore the green background(below right) what colour did I paint first.
My ? are : Should I proceed to the next step or redo #108?
What about all background and foreground?
What kind of object could this first step (round and round- forgot the name) we paint, only something round or big like apple/fruits? Could we do this with flower too? (is this silly ?)
What is your next lesson, tomatoes?
Thank you Maverick for your lessons, attention, time, help etc.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Oct-2005/61325-Apple_4_wo-flash.jpg

Charlie's Mum

10-11-2005, 08:19 AM

What kind of object could this first step (round and round- forgot the name) we paint, only something round or big like apple/fruits? Could we do this with flower too? (is this silly ?)

Dewi - do you mean the underpainting?
If so, underpainting can be used on virtually any subject. ........ any shape.

Perhaps Mark will be doing a different shaped object, using blending and glazing .....either/or........ later .......... but, think how you could use it, for example, on a leaf .:)

Dewi

10-11-2005, 08:41 AM

I'm not sure if you call this glazing per se, or blending or scumbling. I usually call it scrubbing. Some of the underlying layer shows through because of the canvas texture and also the thinness of the paint in spots, especially around the edges.

What I do is take a bristle brush and pick a spot where the apple is lighter, and I start scrubbing in tight circles all the while working in a larger spiral pattern. As the paint is used up and dries, the outer edges appear very soft and blend in with the underlying color without painting wet into wet. If you're not working on a round area, then your outer pattern will have to adjust to the shape, but you still do the tight circles.

Hi Maureen, what I meant is this Maverick quote doing scrubbing
Thanks

Charlie's Mum

10-11-2005, 10:07 AM

Oh! OK Dewi - I understand!
If it's of any help, I took an old bristle brush and cut the hair down to make it more controllable! The hairs don't now go all over the place!
You have to scrub while the paint is still wet/soluble - and push back and forth furiously on the edge of the wet area!
Practice it on spare paper first to get the idea - the paper might break up, but that soesn't matter ........ if you have any paper gessoed, that might be easier :D

I'm at this stage now and needing to work on the highlights more.

Stages 8 and 9.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_stage_8.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Oct-2005/30494-apple,_stage_9.jpg

The background now has two layers - no naples yellow, so used a mix of permanent yellow and raw sienna - there's sap green under it and the top area is ult. bl + black and some sap green in the middle area.

The apple has had more reds added and a couple of glazes of Aliz. Crimson and also some blu+aliz in the shadow areas of the fruit.

I'm beginning to feel I'm getting somewhere with this now! :D

bjcpaints

10-11-2005, 11:20 AM

Wonderful class Maverick! Thanks so much! I have printed out most of your directions to take with me to Maine - will be back next week - hopefully with a lovely painting of an apple!
Barbara

pameladallaire

10-11-2005, 01:24 PM

If I was painting a landscape it would be totally different...but I might use glazing somewhere!

Help, this is my problem....I am doing a landscape. I did some glazing layers last night and they are very light. I don't know how dark to mix the glaze so that it turns out on the painting. Does this come with practise?
:confused: Pam

maverick

10-11-2005, 02:32 PM

Hello
I've been watching at the back of the class but not participating and have questions.....
What does glazing medium do to the paint anyway?
Would Atelier's "gloss medium and varnish" do the same trick?

Glazing medium thins the paint and makes it more transparent. It's made of acrylic. I don't know the exact differences between glazing medium and gloss medium. I think glazing medium doesn't dry as fast. It's the same thing used to do faux finishing on walls, so it needs to stay wet for a while. You could certainly give it a try (the gloss medium that is).

amaze_1101

10-11-2005, 03:04 PM

Mark
If that isn't the most delicious looking apple I'll eat my hat. I really do like your style and like you, I love those strong contrasts. Thanks for taking the time to do this. It's extremely well explained and easy to follow. I've printed it off for later reference and will do a homewrok study at some stage.

Cheers!

rickymanchester

10-11-2005, 04:18 PM

I think glazing medium doesn't dry as fast.

So, it's like retarder? I don't have anything called glazing medium but I have retarder or something called "Transparent Acrylic Gel" which says:

"Makes acrylic colours more transparent. Can be applied mixed or as a glaze. Maintains the structure of pastos, liquid or semiliquid acrylics." Is this basically another name for glazing medium then?

Also is it not possible (although harder) to just glaze using water?

Many thanks

Charlie's Mum

10-11-2005, 04:37 PM

Richard, it's certainly possible to glaze with water only - many people never, ever, use a glazing medium. It's just personal preference really.
Any way you can get one colour to lie smoothly over another, or blend smoothly into another, is fine.
I have two W&N glazing mediums, gloss and matt, they do help to smooth out the colour - though it's still trial and error for me because I'm not used to using them, and they do keep the paint useable a little longer - possibly not as long as retarder might though.
These two mediums may also be used as a 'varnish' - it says on the bottle!!!!! :D

firehorse6646927

10-11-2005, 06:29 PM

Richard, I found Daler-Rowney have a tube actually labelled "glaze medium" which comes in matt or gloss finishes. It's thinnable with water and seems to be doing the trick (medium on first, paint added in while it's still wet).

The W&N retarder I have has a very gluey consistency - I don't think this would work for glazing (actually, I don't think I'll bother buying it again, it's horrible stuff to use).

praiseHisname40

10-11-2005, 06:50 PM

Hi ... I know its a late start I have here but, I have been working alot lately so here is my sketch . I just did it a little bit ago . I hope to have time to start the underpainting on it tonight. :)

This is on Strathmore Watercolor Cold press paper 140lb
11"x15"

maverick

10-11-2005, 07:58 PM

My ? are : Should I proceed to the next step or redo #108?
What about all background and foreground?
What kind of object could this first step (round and round- forgot the name) we paint, only something round or big like apple/fruits? Could we do this with flower too? (is this silly ?)
What is your next lesson, tomatoes?
Thank you Maverick for your lessons, attention, time, help etc.

I think this looks fine. You should keep moving forward with it. I'm not sure what you want to correct by going back.

My post #108 just showed me starting the background and foreground. Keep going with it and finish both.

My scrubbing technique is kind of a dry brush technique that gets the paint into all the divots in the canvas so it doesn't have that dry brush look. I only go in small circles because it ensures the area is covered evenly. Making a wider circle was only to match the shape of the three-dimensional aspects of a round apple. Parts of a flower would have different shapes, so you would have to adapt the pattern to match the shape. You want to push the paint into all the divots.

I was thinking of doing something much simpler next. Perhaps a tomato or a round ball. I'll have to think about it further.

You're welcome!

maverick

10-11-2005, 08:01 PM

Perhaps Mark will be doing a different shaped object, using blending and glazing .....either/or........ later .......... but, think how you could use it, for example, on a leaf .:)

Maybe a leaf would be good. It is autumn here!

praiseHisname40

10-11-2005, 08:01 PM

im back here is my next stage ... LOL here is my first application of burnt sienna ...... Im fixing to add the reds ... will keep you posted... :)

maverick

10-11-2005, 08:06 PM

The background now has two layers - no naples yellow, so used a mix of permanent yellow and raw sienna - there's sap green under it and the top area is ult. bl + black and some sap green in the middle area.

The apple has had more reds added and a couple of glazes of Aliz. Crimson and also some blu+aliz in the shadow areas of the fruit.

I'm beginning to feel I'm getting somewhere with this now! :D

You're doing fabulously!

Naples Yellow is my other favourite mixed color. You can make it with White, Yellow and Red. Obviously mostly white with some yellow, and a small touch of red.

If I had Aliz. Crimson, I would have used it too! I have it in oils and I use it for my dark red.

maverick

10-11-2005, 08:07 PM

Wonderful class Maverick! Thanks so much! I have printed out most of your directions to take with me to Maine - will be back next week - hopefully with a lovely painting of an apple!
Barbara

Looking forward to seeing it!

maverick

10-11-2005, 08:11 PM

Help, this is my problem....I am doing a landscape. I did some glazing layers last night and they are very light. I don't know how dark to mix the glaze so that it turns out on the painting. Does this come with practise?
:confused: Pam

Hi Pam! By light do you mean thin or bright?

Practice definitely helps. A good idea would be to gesso a piece of plywood or get a cheap canvas panel and do some tests. You can gesso over it again and reuse it.

maverick

10-11-2005, 08:13 PM

maverick

10-11-2005, 08:35 PM

So, it's like retarder? I don't have anything called glazing medium but I have retarder or something called "Transparent Acrylic Gel" which says:

"Makes acrylic colours more transparent. Can be applied mixed or as a glaze. Maintains the structure of pastos, liquid or semiliquid acrylics." Is this basically another name for glazing medium then?

Also is it not possible (although harder) to just glaze using water?

Many thanks

I don't doubt it could be used for glazing. You'll have to experiment with it. I personally don't like retarder because it gets to a gummy stage. I find glazing liquid easier to work with.

There's so may acrylic medium products out there, and they're all basically made from acrylic polymer. They're just prepared for various purposes. I'm sure you can glaze with them all, but you'll have to experiment with them to see if they work for you.

I also glaze with water, but when it comes to very thin glazes, you risk lifting off the layers underneath because the water has diluted the binder (which is acrylic polymer). Using an acrylic medium ensures your layers are stable. I've had entire sections bubble right off because there wasn't enough binder to adhere to the previous layer. This is a good reason to stay away from student grade paints if you can afford it.

Leslie_Pz is an expert in glazing with water only.

maverick

10-11-2005, 08:38 PM

The W&N retarder I have has a very gluey consistency - I don't think this would work for glazing (actually, I don't think I'll bother buying it again, it's horrible stuff to use).

I agree. I found it justs makes everything sticky.

maverick

10-11-2005, 08:40 PM

im back here is my next stage ... LOL here is my first application of burnt sienna ...... Im fixing to add the reds ... will keep you posted... :)

Glad you could join us Kaye! This is a good start.

Godzoned

10-11-2005, 08:53 PM

Glazing medium thins the paint and makes it more transparent. It's made of acrylic. I don't know the exact differences between glazing medium and gloss medium. I think glazing medium doesn't dry as fast. It's the same thing used to do faux finishing on walls, so it needs to stay wet for a while. You could certainly give it a try (the gloss medium that is).

Thank you for your explaination it now makes sence to me why you use it.

praiseHisname40

10-11-2005, 10:20 PM

Hi all ... Here it is almost 2 hours since my last post and here is where I am now. Any C&C Welcome... This is really fun .... I posted earlier I used burnt sienna ... LOL wrong burnt umber was my underpainting pigment. Thanks for looking and Commenting.... :)

Charlie's Mum

10-12-2005, 06:31 AM

Progressing nicely Kaye! Be prepared for lots more work and many more hours - LOL!

OK Mr M. - I think I'm calling this done - at stage 10 in the scans!
I've done so much more, not sure if I can remember it all - but have worked on bk'gd and base ..... lovely sap green and perm yellow (have Naples Y in w'c but not acrylics!), more ult bl and aliz + black in the top of bk'gd. . .... lots of scrubbing there.
The apple has developed further with more glazes and ... whatever!!!!!

The really exciting and interesting effect was discovered by my husband this morning ..... the 3D effect changes as the viewer changes position ....... so I do feel I've achieved a lot with this -

Thank you Mark, for making me paint differently from my usual way!

Now, what's next please? :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Oct-2005/30494-apple,stage_10.jpg

If you notice anything that needs adjusting - anyone - please say! :D

pameladallaire

10-12-2005, 09:01 AM

Hi Pam! By light do you mean thin or bright?

Practice definitely helps. A good idea would be to gesso a piece of plywood or get a cheap canvas panel and do some tests. You can gesso over it again and reuse it.

Definitely thin, it looks like watercolour washes. I'll try a matte or gloss medium tonight, busy,busy, busy. I have cheap canvas boards upstairs that I wouldn't use for my good art. Great idea! Thanks. :cool: Pam

maverick

10-12-2005, 09:07 AM

~JON

10-12-2005, 09:47 AM

:) Its lovely, Maureen! :)

maverick

10-12-2005, 10:09 AM

Maureen! What a fantastic apple! I think I just trained my competition! :clap:

I like the way you've improvised with the colours. Your frame sets it off nicely.

You've described the effect well. With all the layers, you can see variations at different viewing angles.

I'm thinking about what's next...stay tuned.

Charlie's Mum

10-12-2005, 01:00 PM

Thanks Mr. M ;)
Now that's your teaching and inspiration, because this is a completely different method for me.

praiseHisname40

10-12-2005, 10:14 PM

Hi Everyone.... Here is an update on my apple.... I was able to work on it a little more today...I hope I might be able to finish it tonight....We'll see....
Maverick.... I have really enjoyed doing this excercise you have really helped me alot with this class.. I like the idea of the underpainting to. It makes such a difference in the colors than just jumping in and then getting frustrated with the lights mediums and darks this underpainting has helped alot. I now understand glazing so much better... Thanks!!! God Bless ... I will post the final soon !! I hope LOL>.>> :)

Dewi

10-12-2005, 11:57 PM

Hi Mark this my latest apple, does it looks like fresh apple or paperweight? :)
In the dark room it looks OK but if near the blue is so intense(?)
Happy to hear more input on my apple, as mentioned this is my first painting on canvas and have the feeling better then paper, which I still have plenty and cheaper.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Oct-2005/61325-Apple_5.jpg

Since couldn't express very well and praiseHisname40 share the feeling like mine so I use hers. Thanks again

Maverick.... I have really enjoyed doing this excercise you have really helped me alot with this class.. I like the idea of the underpainting to. It makes such a difference in the colors than just jumping in and then getting frustrated with the lights mediums and darks this underpainting has helped alot. I now understand glazing so much better... Thanks!!! God Bless ...

maverick

10-13-2005, 10:24 AM

Kaye, this is good progress!

Dewi, your apple looks great! If you're not happy with the blue, just tone it down by glazing a tiny amount of red over it. Then a very tiny bit of white. That's the great thing about glazing. You can make adjustments with successive layers.

Charlie's Mum

10-13-2005, 12:17 PM

Kaye and Dewi - good stuff developing here! Kaye, it will get brighter with the layers and the 3D effect is already apparent.

Dewi - I know what you mean about getting the highlights right, but follow Mark's advice and see the difference!

I still think that paper, if gessoed, would be OK too - so you'll be able to use it up! :D

Dewi

10-13-2005, 12:25 PM

Yes Maureen I will follow Mark's advice, and thank you too for your advice about gessoed the papers so I could save :)

Lady Carol

10-13-2005, 05:52 PM

The comment about "bumbling" was just a joke, not a real painting technique :D
That is not a technique. Darn!!!!! I really was looking forward to learning that one ......... :evil:

Marty C

10-14-2005, 02:43 AM

Well, I've just read through the entire thread (whew!) and this is a great lesson, Mark, congratulations, and a belated thanks for stepping up to the plate. :clap: :clap:
Great results everyone on your efforts, I'm sure we have all learnt quite a bit from this class.

laudesan

10-14-2005, 03:09 AM

Wait for meeeeeeee.. :D

I am still going to do mine this weekend..

Charlie's Mum

10-14-2005, 08:37 AM

JJ, you've still got the rest of this month ;)
We're watchin' and waitin' ;) :D

praiseHisname40

10-14-2005, 10:00 PM

Hi all... Here is the latest update on my apple... I have included the progressive photos from beginning until now ... Let me know what you think and Thanks for looking ... This has been a real learning experience for me and I have enjoyed every frustrating moment of it LOL!!! :)

Charlie's Mum

10-15-2005, 11:34 AM

Taking shape nicely Kaye :D

maverick

10-15-2005, 02:23 PM

That is not a technique. Darn!!!!! I really was looking forward to learning that one ......... :evil:

Well actually...I do it a lot!

maverick

10-15-2005, 02:23 PM

Wait for meeeeeeee.. :D

I am still going to do mine this weekend..

Looking forward to seeing your work!. It's not too late.

maverick

10-15-2005, 02:25 PM

Lady Carol

10-15-2005, 03:30 PM

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Oct-2005/11811-apple2-small.JPG
I like the way this is starting to take shape. It still needs a lot of work on the apple not to mention the background. Still miles behind you Mav, but catching up :D

maverick

10-15-2005, 07:36 PM

This is looking great! It's taking shape already.

maverick

10-15-2005, 08:00 PM

Not that we're doing this one for the class (no progress photos), but I thought I'd share this as an example of a painting with lots and lots of glazing.

The tomato has many layers as well as the foreground and background. There's a very subtle refection below the tomato that I couldn't have done without glazing.

Fork and Tomato
8x10 acrylic on canvas
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Oct-2005/10671-fork_and_tomato_sml.jpg

Lady Carol

10-15-2005, 10:23 PM

The bit that I am really impressed about is the convincing foreshortening on the fork.Oh! And the tomato is good too. Didn't notice the reflection until you said.

maverick

10-15-2005, 10:47 PM

Thanks Carol...I was worried about the fork. Until I got the background and foreground in, the fork looked like it was standing on end.

Anita Murphy

10-15-2005, 11:15 PM

Sorry Teach - I have a note from ............. er................em...............I do have a note just not sure who its from :o

:eek: I've missed stacks - going to have to go back and reread - and my poor apple is sitting half finished! But this week coming I am going to finish it off and try something else with this technique.

maverick

10-16-2005, 06:50 PM

Looking forward to seeing what you've done Anita.

I will be doing a new lesson very soon. I'm completing the painting today and taking photos as I go along without stopping to post. This week I will be too busy to paint.

firehorse6646927

10-17-2005, 11:40 AM

I finally got to get some painting done... (other half's birthday celebrations & taking him to Norwich to buy his present sort of got in the way....)

I think I'm somewhere around the post 108/120 mark now. It doesn't look anywhere near as good as Mav's or Maureens but I'm nonetheless happy with the way it's taking shape.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Oct-2005/55584-AppleGlaze05.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Oct-2005/55584-AppleGlaze06.jpg

Charlie's Mum

10-17-2005, 06:18 PM

Marianne - what do you mean "not as good as...." - I think this is super.
Beautifully smooth skin and lovely light ......... be proud!
......and you're still not finished? Wow!

maverick

10-17-2005, 07:07 PM

Marianne...you've done a fabulous job on this. It does look very smooth and shiny, so you've proven you understand glazing. I can only imagine how great it's going to look when finished. I think you will be pleasantly surprised yourself.

jbitzel

10-17-2005, 09:56 PM

Wow! Maverick you are my idol! :clap:

maverick

10-18-2005, 09:41 AM

James...thanks, but I can't sing! :D

firehorse6646927

10-18-2005, 12:22 PM

Thanks Maverick & Maureen. I am pleased with the way it's coming together but I'm not going to delude myself it's to the same standard as either of yours..... it's the first time I've worked with glazing medium and it's not easy stuff to get right......

This one has been HARD work... although I'm used to layered paintings and therefore time-consuming work (see the cat icon - it took me a month of evenings & weekends...) the layers are much more independant of each other. They don't rely on light bouncing through previous and subsequent layers for the effect, and mistakes are much easier to correct.

Maverick: can I pick your brains pls? Question on glazing techniques - are there specific methods of application for specific parts of a painting? By which I mean I've been trying out different ways of applying the glaze (1. glaze/paint/water mix to variable thicknesses applied to the painting, 2.glaze/water mix applied to the painting then overpainted with thinned paint or even 3. scrubbing in a paint/glaze mix). The big sweeping parts of the painting are relatively easy to do but I am having some difficulty with the fiddly bits. Should I be using a particular method?.... :confused: As I said, I quite like the way it's coming together and I really, really don't want to mess it up.

Life is going to be interfering in a big way for the next couple of days so won't get to paint again until Thursday :(

maverick

10-18-2005, 09:55 PM

Marianne...I think you've got it figured out pretty well. It sounds like you've experimented and adapted the technique as needed. That's what I do. For tiny bits, I just dab or do small strokes with my round watercolor brushes. If the glaze is very thin, a firm stroke just wipes everything to the sides of the brush and leaves nothing in the middle.

dex

10-19-2005, 07:40 AM

Hi maverick,would love to join!,thing is!,you said no false name's,what about,false TEETH!:evil: ,and about the wife!,mine is brutally honest too(so i dont listen to her!!):eek: .....( she over heard!)that'll teach me!?).

hudsonkm

10-19-2005, 09:25 AM

I'm very visual in learning. Could I get a picture of the brush you used for the small circles that you either shaped and/or fixed to use for glazing/blending. Thanks.

maverick

10-19-2005, 10:31 AM

Welcome! Teeth aren't required, unless you want to grin :D

I'll post some photos of my brushes, but they are filbert bristle brushes (flat but rounded at the ends), and round watercolor brushes with a very fine point. I don't alter them, but the bristle brushes will wear down eventually.

TxAggieDarlin

10-20-2005, 03:25 PM

I am new to this forum and just want to say that I have really enjoyed the teaching and the end work you all have done. I want to try this, but I am so NEW to acrylic that it will probably wait and I will walk around and learn some more. Thanks, Maverick for taking the time to do this...I sure enjoyed it

Charlie's Mum

10-20-2005, 05:12 PM

Well TxAggie, don't forget to follow Part 11 in its separate thread also :D

Do join in, it's the best way to learn :D

maverick

10-20-2005, 07:09 PM

Dewi

10-21-2005, 04:25 AM

maverick

10-22-2005, 09:51 AM

Hi Mark ... after for many days and many shooting of this apple... finally photo is not blur or white with cloud :) Thought that my glazing medium is the wrong kind.
This is my latest apple what do you think of it, for me it still doesn't look like fresh apple :) I think the upper bg still need some scrubbing and lower right of the apple still too white? And why is the texture of canvas shown, it looks like jeans...is it too shinny?(remember first time using canvas) Sorry... so many questions, thanks Mark.

It helps to take your photo outdoors in the shade.

Your apple looks great. It's progressed nicely. If you want to tone down the hightlight, just glaze a very small amount of green over it. The canvas texture is normal. Many people like to see the texture. And I varnish my paintings so they are shiny. That's another thing that many people like to see. It's all a matter of personal taste.

bjcpaints

10-22-2005, 10:05 AM

Hello! I am finally getting here with my apple (and my excuses).
Tip: When you go away on vacation and bring printed instructions with you - always print them in color so you can tell what you are supposed to be doing! LOL On the part about the Payne's Gray glazing; I did it to the background, instead of the apple - Duh.
Also, because I did not have a color printout of your apple Mark, I used one from a book called Acrylic painting by Wendon Blake, paintings by Rudy DeReyna. The apple in their lesson looks more like my favorite - a Macintosh. However, the lesson that went with it was about color modeling and they did not glaze anything. So, I had set myself up for certain disaster in a way. All this being said, I still feel like I have learned a lot from the experience.
Things I had problems with: sorting out the shadow, changing the leaf because I did not like the shape of theirs, placement of my subject on the canvas. I think I should have gone with the vertical format and now I am wondering; Can I gesso over this glazed painting and start over? Should I just chalk it all up to experience and toss it and start fresh? I bought a fake apple and a fake pear in hopes of doing a pair of lovely glazed fruit paintings. Any suggestions will be most appreciated. Thanks!
Oh, I am showing the DeReyna apple ref pic.
Barbara http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Oct-2005/49636-dereyna_apple.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Oct-2005/49636-my_apple_wip.jpg

laudesan

10-22-2005, 10:20 AM

:o I still haven't started mine and I really want to. I just kinda got caught up in other stuff..

I will do it before the month is out tho'..:) I want your advice as I go, as I haven't really underpainted with brown before..

Dewi

10-22-2005, 12:06 PM

It helps to take your photo outdoors in the shade.

Your apple looks great. It's progressed nicely. If you want to tone down the hightlight, just glaze a very small amount of green over it. The canvas texture is normal. Many people like to see the texture. And I varnish my paintings so they are shiny. That's another thing that many people like to see. It's all a matter of personal taste.

Thank you Mark...so my apple is done already, no need to add or change according to you.. teacher?

I'm still bad with highlight (not this apple) need a lot of practice. What next dear teacher transparent grapes?

firehorse6646927

10-23-2005, 05:30 PM

I think I'm nearly there. I think the spots need some shadowing around them and there's more refining to do yet.... Apologies for the photo - some light reflection on the base of the apple and the yellow seems to have washed out. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Oct-2005/55584-AppleGlaze07.jpg

Charlie's Mum

10-23-2005, 05:59 PM

Dewi and Marianne - you both have beautifully smooth and shiny apples - yummy!
Barbara - you do make me smile! .......... how to paint in the face of adversity!!!!!!! - that's the title for your book ;)

Apple is developing nicely though :D

maverick

10-23-2005, 10:45 PM

Things I had problems with: sorting out the shadow, changing the leaf because I did not like the shape of theirs, placement of my subject on the canvas. I think I should have gone with the vertical format and now I am wondering; Can I gesso over this glazed painting and start over? Should I just chalk it all up to experience and toss it and start fresh? I bought a fake apple and a fake pear in hopes of doing a pair of lovely glazed fruit paintings. Any suggestions will be most appreciated. Thanks!

Barbara, this is a nice start. You need to build the form by adding some darks to the apple and shadow. If you look at the apple in the book, you will see the shadow is darker under the apple. Also, the top of the apple is darker than the bottom. The area around the stem need further shading as well.

I'm not suggesting that you give up on this one, but you can gesso over it and start over if you want to, as long as the paint underneath isn't too thick. Otherwise you will see the textured shape of the apple. I've rarely done this for that reason.

maverick

10-23-2005, 10:51 PM

bjcpaints

10-24-2005, 08:59 AM

Thanks Mark,
I think I will toss it and start over - less frustrating!! Also I want the vertical format so the shadow goes off the canvas - I couldn't figure out where to end it! Yeah, I know I didn't get very far with the values on the apple but at leaast I got a little glazing experience and it has encouraged me to go further with the technique. Thanks again for your time and efforts in this month's class - I appreciate it very much.
Barbara

Thanks Maureen - at least I try. :)

firehorse6646927

10-24-2005, 11:50 AM

Thanks Mav, but more to the point, thank YOU for running this class. Without you I'd still have been trying (and failing) to glaze with retarder.

hmmm.... now, where's that "mentor" button..........

Maureen, thank you .... I'm getting there (slowly!) :D

maverick

10-24-2005, 07:40 PM

You're welcome Barbara...you made a nice effort. It's better to try than to say I wish I had. You're making progress if you learn even a little bit each time. I know this for a fact.

Marianne...you're welcome, and it was fun (not that it still isn't...for those who are still working on this :D)

praiseHisname40

10-27-2005, 06:54 PM

Well Folks ... here is some more work on my apple .. I'm not real happy with it but I'm going to do some more tweaking to it ... I should have stopped I think about a week ago... LOL.. But couldnt leave well enough alone... I have however learned alot from this class on glazing. I hope to be able to start the gourd soon! I have just been really busy working lately .. Any Ways maverick I have truly enjoyed this ... I hope to post it finished by the weekend!! Take Care and God Bless!!! :)

bjcpaints

10-28-2005, 09:53 AM

Kaye, Your apple looks wonderful! I like the shape very much! The white highlight is very bright - are you going to tone it down a bit? I think that would make it perfect! Just my opinion of course, and you saw how bad mine looked! LOL
Best wishes,
Barbara

firehorse6646927

10-28-2005, 02:05 PM

I'm done now.... I don't want to do any more to it and end up ruining it...

Maverick, I repeat my assertion that you're a star for running this class, thank you!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Oct-2005/55584-AppleGlazeFinal.jpg

Dewi

10-29-2005, 03:37 AM

Beautiful Marianne... nice reflection too. Do you have problem in taking picture because mine is always some light gray on the surface (many shoots in many days in all weather need to adjust with ph-sh) not sure because of the glaze medium or not.

firehorse6646927

10-29-2005, 04:06 AM

Hi Dewi, and thanks. Yes, I had to take the painting outside and park it in the shade - and still got some hazing over the canvas - I think the glazing medium has a slight sheen to it. When it's varnished this should no longer be a problem as I use matt varnish.

Dewi

10-29-2005, 04:20 AM

Thank you.. please let me know if varnishing helps.. Marianne

dabdab

10-30-2005, 08:36 AM

Maverick, thank you so much for this lesson! I've painted in watercolors for several years and have just started to try acrylics. It has been extremely frustrating figuring out how to blend colors smoothly. Your lesson has helped a lot. Here's my try at the October apple. Comments welcome.
Dabdab

tumteetum

10-12-2006, 02:23 PM

I've never learnt much about technique in painting and thought it might actually help me to be less frustrated and achieve some of the things I'd like to do with painting.

So I fished around on trusty WC and stumbled on Maverick's glazing lesson 1 in the Information Kiosk http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299276

This is my first attempt at using any kind of disciplined approach or technique with acrylic paint (not being accomplished in any other medium either however!)

I'm so glad Maverick's lesson included underpainting stages as well as glazing - it helped me so much. I think I just learnt more about painting in the last 48 hours doing this lesson than I ever did in 2 years of A-level art!

So here's my results on 6"x9" canvas board. Pictures of:
1) initial drawing on board,
2) first glaze
3) semi worked
4) and finally can't-do-anymore!

It's not perfect - but I've learnt tonnes already! Decided to let this one go and try again (and again and again).

Thank you Maverick!!

Perhaps technique does help after all :-)

Rachel