WMO Monthly Challenge September 09

[id-art]

W&N, for example, has 119 colors available in their range of Artist's Oil Colors. That's one extreme. Could you actually use all those in a painting? Half of them? Probably not. This month let's go the other extreme stopping short of monochromatic. Can you give the impression of a full palette with only two colors? Use the Anders Zorn palette: Cad Red Lt., Yellow Ochre, plus black and white. Any subject. Zorn routinely made masterpieces with this palette. For a further challenge you may remove the red. Good Luck!

[id-art]

Here's a couple on location sketches using just
Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, black and white....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Aug-2009/54863-Far_bank2-s.jpg




http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Aug-2009/54863-gold_bar_ranch-s.jpg




http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Aug-2009/54863-summer_arrives-s.jpg

[Dana Design]

Wow, terrific challenge, Bob! Could do some Zorn or even some Rembrandt.

[mawdwyn]

Can't wait to start this one - I've never tried painting with a limited palette before, so this will be a challenging challenge for me :)!

Callie

[id-art]

Callie - I think you will be surprised what you will discover and how much variation and subtly can be found in a limited palette. You'll need to stretch a bit!

[sidbledsoe]

Great idea for a challenge Bob, will be a neat one.

[kadon]

I agree about the harmony of a limited pallette Bob. It's most revealing and instructive. Will see if I can give this a go. Kathy

PS What does WMO mean...O would be Oils, but the rest?????

[sidbledsoe]

Water Mixable Oils

[kadon]

Oh..I see. Thanks Sid. for explanation....can't take part in it then as I do not possess this medium. Kathy

[couturej]

Thank you Bob for the great challenge! I love your paintings! :eek: Limited palette. Ok last time I tried a limited palette it kinda fell flat but it was a landscape so all my landscapes so far have been colossal failures. So maybe trying a figure or portrait might help. It might be one that ends up in our proposed hall of shame but I'm willing to give it a try.:D

[sidbledsoe]

Oh..I see. Thanks Sid. for explanation....can't take part in it then as I do not possess this medium. Kathy
Kath, it is the same "medium" that is, oils, for this challenge you would only need to buy three small tubes such as yellow ochre, black, and white. Then just try them, I recommend with no medium at first, and enjoy the ease of cleaning up your brushes, palette, floor, hands, clothes, face, etc (that is if you are like me :lol: ) We would not want to lose you due to a technicality!:wave:

[couturej]

Kathy, good point that Sid made. We would love to have you join us. I wish I could ship you some of my WMO. I hope you're able to join us. :)

[id-art]

Limiting your palette releases creativity. An unlimited palette can become a distraction and hindrance. Beginners benefit from a limited palette because they can't mix a 'wrong' color, economy and it's the best way to learn how to mix colors. Plein air painters enjoy the compactness, light weight and speed. Even some master painters prefer it, like Zorn and Sargent.

Here's a few by Zorn...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Sep-2009/54863-Self-portrait_-_1896.jpg


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Sep-2009/54863-Girls_from_Dalarna_Having_a_Bath_-_1906.jpg


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Sep-2009/54863-Les_Demoiselles_Schwartz_-_1889.jpg

[Dana Design]

Kath, I recommend with no medium at first, and enjoy the ease of cleaning up your brushes, palette, floor, hands, clothes, face, etc (that is if you are like me :lol: ) We would not want to lose you due to a technicality!:wave:

You forgot dog paws, Sid. :wave:

[mawdwyn]

Kadon -
Just an idea... try the MIO challenge (in the main oils forum) with the limited palette. Or, if you get a few tubes of WM oils, you can do both challenges at the same time (I'm going to try the Bouguereau picture).

Callie

[couturej]

I don't thing I'll be able to participate in this one after all. Just not really in the mood to paint and having trouble just with the basics. Still pressing the gass peddle and brake at the same time when it comes to painting rite now. :)

[mawdwyn]

Sorry to hear that, Janet. You sound a bit frustrated, I hope you can get going again soon!

Callie

[couturej]

Thanks Callie for your support! I'll try a few small ones and see if I can get kick started again. :)

[mawdwyn]

Here's my attempt at the limited palette challenge. This is just the start - I hope it gets better.

450772

I'm using a picture from the MIO challenge in the main oil forum - so I can do both challenges with one painting :evil:
Which black is the most blue-black? I need to get some!

Janet - maybe you could try a few oil "sketches" with this limited palette, then if you like them, they'd be good under-paintings to build on?

Callie

[id-art]

Callie - Awesome beginning! What colors are you using. Almost looks like a blue on my monitor, or is it the photo?

[couturej]

Callie, You're are sneeky completing two challenges with one painting. I think Bob caught you using blue. You better hide. :lol: Ok I'll try it with a small lion I think that should work with the colors I have to work with. :)

[couturej]

Callie just one more thing your painting is looking fantastic as usual. :)

[mawdwyn]

Thanks for the encouragement!
I think the picture looks brighter on-screen, it doesn't look that blue in real life. I'm using Artisans; ivory black, cad. red medium, yellow ochre and titanium white. I couldn't remember which is the bluest black, but I only had ivory black anyway. I guess Payne's grey wouldn't count as black?
For anyone else trying this - use a cool, blue-black - and GOOD LUCK! :)

Callie

[id-art]

After about an hour searching, from cooler to warmer:

Lamp Black PBk6
Carbon Black PBk7
Ivory Black PBk9
Mars Black PBk11

Not being an expert any correction is encouraged.

Probably more important than the black you use is what it is near. Any black mixed with white will make a more or less neutral gray. In the Zorn palette Cad Red Lt. is a red orange and mixed with yellow ochre becomes more orangey. Both make the gray seem bluish.

[couturej]

Sorry about that Callie I guess the Payne's Gray doesn't qualify as black. I was thinking that because the old masters used it as their black it would be ok. I guess I'll need to go with my Ivory Black. :)

[dcorc]

Any black mixed with white will make a more or less neutral gray
Actually, most of them are surprisingly bluish - for example as compared with Munsell Neutrals - or even just with a standard photographic grey card http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_card

the old masters used (Payne's Gray) as their black
It was invented by an 18/19thC watercolourist, William Payne, so it's not what the Old Masters used, sorry.

Dave

[sidbledsoe]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Sep-2009/112587-lions.jpg
Here is my block in underpainting for my submission in this challenge. I will call it "My mom,the lion". Going for a bold thick stroke look this time, colors are Artisan, cad red hue, yellow ochre, ivory black, white (that would be Zorn!). 16x20 stretched canvas, pink toned ground, couch with duo linseed then just paint, no medium. Mom is just a little green right now but that is her verdaccio coat, will warm her up. :wave:

[mawdwyn]

Great start, Sid. I like all the different greens you were able to get on there.

Callie

[couturej]

Sid, great start on your painting. Such a cute scene. I'll be working on a lion so it's really helpful to see that it will work. :)

[couturej]

What colors could we use as substitutes if we don't happen to have some of these colors?

Is it ok for me to post my reference photo just in case others would like to work from the same reference? It's from the RIL. :)

[dcorc]

What colors could we use as substitutes if we don't happen to have some of these colors?

The classic limited training palette (it long predates Zorn, actually) is a white, a black, a yellow, and a red. It doesn't particularly matter which ones you use, but if you want to stretch the exercise to the maximum, you'd use the slightly lower-chroma earth red and yellow - such as yellow ochre and venetian red - or you could choose higher-chroma cadmium yellow light and cadmium red medium, or similar. These are essentially a very basic fleshtones palette - enough to paint a portrait with (even the earths version).

Historically, some of the blacks may have been a bit bluer, so you could use a paynes grey (I think that's where the paynes grey suggestion came from - not that its what was actually used, but that it might be closer to how what was really used originally looked, rather than today's really black blacks) - or add just a touch of ultramarine into your black.

Is it ok for me to post my reference photo just in case others would like to work from the same reference? It's from the RIL. :)

I'm sure that's absolutely fine.

I bought some W&N Artisans yesterday - just titanium white, ultramarine, and burnt sienna (and their WM linseed oil) - how's that for a limited palette! - so if I get a chance I'll have a go at doing something with these - it will be my first try of the WMOs , so I'll be interested to see what their handling is like, with and without water (and trying different amounts) :)


Dave

[id-art]

Dave - I agree any black, red, yellow is fine. No need to buy more tubes just to do this challenge! The main idea was to try removing blue from the palette and see what can be done without it. In a surprising way limiting the palette puts your creativity into gear. You have to experiment and find new ways to do things. Learning happens, understanding increases.

[couturej]

Thank you Dave and Bob! That helps immensely. Unfortunately my local art stores don't carry WMOs. I might even try more then one and switch up my palette a bit. :)

Dave, you're rite regarding the Payne's Gray. It was a thread on old master palettes on WetCanvas in the color theory forum and the Payne's Gray was part of a simulation of an old master palette. My memory is not as good as it use to be. I was definitely wrong in stating that the old masters use it.

I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the WMOs. I use 1/2 water and 1/2 WM linseed oil as my medium and it work great for me across brands. (W&N Artisan, Lukas Berlin and Holbein Duo Aqua) :)

[couturej]

Here's the reference photo that I'll be working from for this challenge. If anyone else would like to use it as well for this challenge that would be great. It's in the RIL credit goes to cassie8187 and here's the link to the photo:http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=22506 (http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=22506)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Sep-2009/84697-Lion.jpg

[Ruthie57]

Oh now you're talking! How did I miss that one when looking in the RIL? Shame its not very high res. However, I may give this one a go. Problem is I don't have a black in my set!! I shall use burnt umber if that's OK? Luckily I do have yellow ochre which I think will feature quite strongly in this one!

[Shirl Parker]

I don't see any black there anyway!

[id-art]

Oh now you're talking! How did I miss that one when looking in the RIL? Shame its not very high res. However, I may give this one a go. Problem is I don't have a black in my set!! I shall use burnt umber if that's OK? Luckily I do have yellow ochre which I think will feature quite strongly in this one!

You could add a touch of Ultramarine. Just enough to make it close to neutral. Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine make a nice neutral dark. It can be weighted one way or the other, too.

[sidbledsoe]

Thanks, that is an awesome picture and will go in my own reference library. I will do it this month also if I can get to it. Perfect candidate for the two colors Dave got, burnt sienna and blue but I think an umber or black would work for this one too, it is all earth orange and darks.

[couturej]

Hi Ruth, I'm glad you like the reference. Sorry about the resolution. I hope you decide to join us.:)

Hi Shirl, I hope you decide to join us. It's a great learning experience. Black would be used to lower the chroma of a color as well. Their are some values in this photo that only a very dark color will be able to produce. :)

Hi Bob, Great options to make a close neutral. I use it all the time and it does work great. Thank you these additional options should make it easy to find a palette that works. :)

Hi Sid, you're welcome! I hope you find the time to try this one as well. I agree that this one would work well for Dave. I hope he decides to join us. :)

[Ruthie57]

Hi again. In my very limited painting experience, in oil and acrylics, I have used burnt umber and ultramarine to make "black". I didn't think it was allowed in this challenge to use a blue. :wink2: I don't think I would need to use it much anyway. The only thing I'm concerned about is some of the cooler shadows as I don't think I could get them without black or blue.

Anyway, I've started this already, without black or blue and have made a right royal mess of it so far. That's what comes of drawing it freehand in paint. But I know a lot of people do this and I need to practice. Once I move the eyes (again) it MAY be nearly right!!

[id-art]

"I didn't think it was allowed in this challenge to use a blue."

Just to clarify...the palette for this challenge excludes blue. Actually, that is the challenge, make a painting w/o blue! Only in the case that you don't have black, can't easily get it, etc., then we relax the rule to allow some dark warm earth color to be neutralized with blue to be used in place of black.

Consider Zorn's palette as a suggestion: Cad Red Lt, Yellow Ochre, Black and White. My examples were done with Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Black and White. Don't feel you must buy new tubes of color to participate. Any red, yellow and black is ok. Or you can mix a 'black' as discussed above.

[mawdwyn]

I guess I'll stick to the ivory black, since I've already started. Will try to resist the temptation to cheat by adding some payne's grey to the black.

Why all the lion paintings? Is it because this is a real "beast' of a challenge :)

Callie

[Ruthie57]

Thanks Bob. I'll add some blue to my burnt umber if I feel the need but won't add it independently to any other colour!
Callie, I think you may be right <lol>

[InkyEss]

I would love to try this challenge... I have some WMOs which I haven't used for a while, not sure what colours but I'm certain there is black,white, yellow ochre and some kind of red in there.

Don't expect too much as I am artistically challenged :lol: but I love playing with paint so what I lack in experience I will make up for with enthusiasm.:clap:

No painting time until the weekend and I have no idea what to paint yet, but I would certainly like to give it a try.

[marie_d]

Hi everyone, thought I would join you all in this challenge. I have always wondered if I could manage to paint something with a limited palette. I'm going to try just using the Yellow Ochre, Lamp Black and the white :eek:
I'll find out now wont I :D

Bob, Brilliant landscapes with such a limited palette, love the 2nd one with the Burnt Sienna.

Callie, Smashing start, nicely painted. Bouguereau is one of my fave artists.

Sid, Nice subject, I can't paint in the bold style like this. I,m a smoothie.

Callie, Another nice choice, should fit in well with the colours we are allowed.

I have chosen the image below from the RIL provided by 'john n', hope this is the way to do this challenge?

So far I have drawn my pots on the canvas sheet and I am now going to lay down my first layer of 'lean' starting with all the background first, then the pots last so I can negative paint them to make sure the shapes are correct.
So, see you all later, off to start my painting........:wave:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Sep-2009/102905-Copy_of_PICT0096.jpg

[couturej]

Callie, I think you're rite a " beast" of a challenge. I know I'm feeling challenged and I haven't even started yet. :)

Ruth, So happy that you'll be joining us. :)

InkyEss, I love your enthusiasm! I'm not use to doing animals and I'm doing a lion so don't expect too much from me either. Just having some fun with it and learning a little along the way is my goal. :)

Hi Marie, Wow you're really limiting your palette. I love your reference photo. Looking forward to seeing your first update. :)

[marie_d]

.

Callie, Another nice choice, should fit in well with the colours we are allowed.



Janet, Made a boo-boo on my previous post and its now too late to alter it. This quote should have been for you:o

[mawdwyn]

Thanks Marie, and I look forward to seeing what you do with the pottery.
I haven't touched my painting since I last posted it - been trying to "rescue" a plein air painting from last week - but I'm getting back to it today.
Inky - just get in here and paint! This challenge isn't about your skill level or how much talent you have; it's showing what you can do with this limited palette - the range of colors you can come up with without using blue. Have some fun with it :thumbsup: .

Callie

[marie_d]

Update so far.......First 'lean' layer put down. Looks very untidy at the moment, but once the layers start going on it will improve :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Sep-2009/102905-drawing.jpg drawing http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Sep-2009/102905-first_layer.jpg first 'lean' layer


My palette using, Yellow Ochre, Lamp Black, and White

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Sep-2009/102905-pal2.jpg

Will continue laying more colour on top tomorrow, using thicker paint as I continue layering.

[InkyEss]

Janet, I love the photo of the lion and I can't wait to see what you do with it.

Marie, looking good so far. Love the very limited palette.

Callie, I can't wait to start... I love having fun with paint! :D

Oh, come on weekend get here quick, I am itching to make a start!!!

[couturej]

Marie, not a problem. The colors should work but my ability to paint an animal... I'm not too sure.:D Love your update it looks like the colors you selected are perfect. Thank you for sharing your picture of your palette. Very interesting. :)

[marie_d]

Thank you InkyEss and Janet......

A tip for anyone who dosn't like washing their palettes after use. Use a plastic file case like mine,
stick some greaseproof paper (easy to mix paints on) down with blu-tack and then when you want to
change your colour palette just whip out the old and put in the new:D
I put my palette in the fridge then, it will last a couple of days before it starts going crusty.

Todays update...laid down another two layers but not as thin as the original starting layer.
Put in more darks to the back of the shelf to give some depth and shadows. Layered some more darker colour
over the pots. I am happy with the shape of the pot on the right, but need to get back my shapes on the two pots on
the left.
Will now be layering with thicker paint and blending and smoothing the background. Hopefully I can get back the
proper shapes on the two mis shapen pots then.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2009/102905-pots2b.jpg

[Ruthie57]

The pots are coming on really well Marie and I'm glad you're showing us the stages. I need all the help I can get. Funny how the shelf bracket actually looks quite blue against the warmer colours of the pots.
Worked some more on my Lion today. Moved the eyes (again) and altered the shape of the mouth and I thought it was fairly accurate. BUT, when I took a pic and compared it with the ref on the PC I can see that either the face is too wide or not long enough. I think the nose may have to go further down. Oh dear I am just no good at painting freehand...especially when my painting is so much bigger than the ref pic.
Anyway, meet Lenny Lion..............I'm wondering whether to build on the cartoon character of this or whether to fight it and try to make it realistic like I usually do :o

You know, my challenge is not to use a limited palette (I can do that easy with this one) but just to do an oil painting at all!!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2009/189061-IMG_1933.JPGsmall.JPG

[marie_d]

Ruthie you are doing very well with your lion. He'coming on great. I have put you the ref pic (1st) along side of your painting (2nd) and I have stretched the 3rd picture slightly so you can see what he would look like if you lengthen his face.
I think he looks good as he is, maybe if you make his mane on top of his head longer it could make his face appear a little thinner without all the other alterations.
I know the problems you are having with this one, I had the same when I drew him in graphite, I just couldnt get the length of the face right.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2009/102905-ruthies_lion_pic.jpg

[id-art]

"I can see that either the face is too wide or not long enough. I think the nose may have to go further down. Oh dear I am just no good at painting freehand..."

Janet - you're really close! Here's what I do with portraits when they get to the stage you're at with the lion. I put the photo on a layer over the picture of the painting and make it about 50% transparent so I can resize it to match the painting and reposition it as needed. Then go back to 100% opaque and draw an outline of key features on a new blank layer. Then turn off the lion photo and use that as a guide for making corrections on the painting.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2009/54863-JANET_PAINTING_REDLINE.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2009/54863-JANET_PAINTING_corrected.jpg

...and with the corrections applied digitally.

[sidbledsoe]

Nice Bob, that is a new one on me! thanks

[marie_d]

Thanks for your advice Bob, portraits are not one of my fortes and this info is much appreciated.
You can instantly see the areas where the alterations are needed. It should make it a lot easier now for Ruthie to go straight to them and correct them.

[karenlee]

from American Artist January 16 2007:

Zorn's Process and Materials
Many artists mention the concept of the "Zorn palette," especially in regard to portraiture. This warm palette, which is often said to include simply a yellow, black, red, and a white—but no blue—may be a very useful tool, but it is a mistake to attribute it to Anders Zorn. A few portraits and other paintings by Zorn seem to show a definite warmth and a lack of tube blues and greens—and Sandström* confirms that the painter was proud of saying he mixed all of the hues on a canvas from just a handful of colors—but many Zorn paintings utilize blues. In fact, in Sweden Zorn is celebrated for his depictions of water, which required blue paint. Sandström had difficulty even comprehending the assumption that Zorn worked with the specialized palette associated with him. She reports that 17 tubes of cobalt alone are represented among the 243 tubes of paint left by Zorn in his studio in Mora. Laine, of Stockholm's Nationalmuseum, concurs that the notion of a Zorn palette is a bit of a misnomer. Still, portraits such as Miss Constance Morris show that he was adept at using grays to suggest blues. Many of Zorn's portraits—and his nudes—exhibit a compelling warmth, providing inspiration for today's painters regardless of what the Swedish artist may have actually squeezed onto his palette.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Birgitta Sandström is the museum director of the Zorn Collections, which includes the artist's residence, estate, and museum in Mora, Sweden.

[InkyEss]

Ruthie, I love your lion, he looks so huggable. :clap:

Yay, I got a little time today to paint.

Here's my quick study of Teddy - took about an hour and it's only a small one, but I really enjoyed using the limited palette. I am going to try more paintings using this palette, it's great. :thumbsup:

Artisan raw sienna, burnt sienna, ivory black and white.

Teddy in Sienna
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Sep-2009/68454-Teddy_in_Sienna.JPG

[marie_d]

InkyEss, love the teddy. He's so cute, nice warm feel to him and great shiny eyes and nose.

My progression so far.....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Sep-2009/102905-pots1.jpg 1st layerings
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Sep-2009/102905-pots2.jpg 2nd
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Sep-2009/102905-pots3.jpg 3rd

Can't carry on now till Monday, hope to finish it then. Still needs darks on the pots and hi-lites, plus the little cup needs its handle.
Need to add some more darker shadow base of pots and finish the shelf. Also have to alter the shelf support, angle dosn't look right???....

[Ruthie57]

Marie and Bob, thank you so much for such helpful suggestions :clap: (my name's Ruth by the way Bob. I doubt Janet will have the same problems!) It's very good of you both to take the time and trouble to try and sort this out for me. I will work on "Lenny" again tomorrow or monday. In future (at least the near future) I will go back to my trusty pencil for the sketch and, in the case of this type of subject, a grid. Laborious, yes, but not so much as getting it wrong over and over and having to re-do :crying:

Inkyess, love the Teddy, and done so quickly! The pots are coming on great too Marie!

[Osteomark]

Is Lamp Black, Yellow Ochre, Tit white, and Cad red Hue PR 188/170 OK to use? Or how about Cad red medium? I know the Cad hue is Napthol and not cadmium. Thats all I have for the Cadmium line until I get to the store.
Been using 99% WSO oils since starting painting in oils and really have been enjoying the water clean and no turpentine smell.
Thanks,
Mark

[dcorc]

Mark - that set of colours is fine - any white, black, red, yellow palette will do.

Although its often referred to as the "Zorn" palette, not only is it questionable as to whether he did actually stick to it - but as a limited "training" palette, its use far pre-dates him.

Dave

[Osteomark]

Dave,
Thanks, Now to come up with an idea. Maybe a pear/apple still life for the fall.
Mark

[couturej]

Wow Marie your pots are looking fantastic! Thank you for sharing your progress! They look very realistic. :)

Ruth your lion is looking wonderful! Wish I could paint an animal that well and if I drew it freehand you would be able to tell. Everything is so very close. I do draw freehand with a brush once in a while using thined down acrylic paint but I use a projector as well. Looking forward to your update on "Lenny". :lol: :)

Karen thank you for the information on the Zorn palette. Very interesting! :)

InkyEss, I love your study of a Teddy. Adorable! The colors are great! :)

Mark, welcome! Looking forward to seeing your painting! :)

[marie_d]

Managed to get this finished today. Cant believe I have used only three colours. The problem I had with the shelf yesterday was that the eye level was wrong, and all of the bottom of the pots were out of line. I shortened the pots and re-lined them all level, then I had to bring up the shelf to just below 'eye-level'. Managed to paint over the bottom of the original shelf and bracket.

Size 12"x16", colours used Yellow Ochre, Lamp Black, White.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Sep-2009/102905-pots.jpg

[Dana Design]

The pots look great! But perhaps a bit more roundness to the cup as it looks rather flat?

[Osteomark]

I agree with Dana. Superb job. Just round out the cup. I bet thats hard given it is such a light color.
Mark

[Ruthie57]

The pots turned out great! A limited palette (very limited in your case) can be a very interesting concept and produce very interesting paintings.
My palette is pretty limited anyway, I have 9 colours (including 2 whites). I've also just realised that my only red is Alarazin (sp?) crimson not cadmium red but I guess it doesn't matter except I have to watch that things don't get too pink and, wow, isn't it a strong colour?
Thanks for your comments Janet. When will we see your "Lenny"? I worked on mine a bit more today and it's looking more like it. Once I go over the face again and, hopefully, get the colours right, I may have to start calling him Leonard!

[marie_d]

Thanks Dana and Mark, I will have a go at it tomorrow. Its a funny shaped little cup, but it is definately looking 'flat', needs some form to it:thumbsup:

Hi, Ruthie, nearly missed you in the x post. I really enjoyed this challenge, its at least 6 months since I last did an oil painting. Thinking about my next one now:D

[dcorc]

Looks great, Marie - very effective indeed, will look forward to seeing your adjustments on the little cup.

Ruth - may I make a couple of suggestions? What Bob suggested about doing a tracing overlay to check placements and stop them wandering is a good one (shhhh, don't tell anyone, but it's used by quite a few professional portraitists) - another drawing approach is to make an initial drawing as straight line segments to approximate the basic shapes, and work on that until it looks right.

The second point that I'd make (you may have done this as deliberate artistic choice, or as part of your process - in which case, that's fine) - but your colours for the lion's head are far more chromatic than they are in the photo. For example, around the muzzle isn't a strong yellow, its a pale almost-grey - compare the photo of your painting to the original one of the lion - I've "spot-sampled" various matching areas of both (in front of ghosted-out versions) - see how much more strongly-coloured the spots from the painting are?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Sep-2009/30792-lions.jpg

Dave

[Dana Design]

Thanks Dana and Mark, I will have a go at it tomorrow. Its a funny shaped little cup, but it is definately looking 'flat', needs some form to it:thumbsup:

Hi, Ruthie, nearly missed you in the x post. I really enjoyed this challenge, its at least 6 months since I last did an oil painting. Thinking about my next one now:D
Marie, just do what you did to the pots and you'll have it!

[id-art]

Marie - Super painting! The limited palette insures a harmonious color scheme. Just this side of monochromatic. You've managed the values well, too, with the possible exception of the cup which could use a little modeling.

Dave - Great way to illustrate your point!

[couturej]

Marie, love it! Looking forward to seeing what you do with the cup. :)

Ruth, Dave gave Lenny the measles.:lol: I just gessoed my canvas. I know I'm being a little bit of a turtle this month. I'll try to get to it tomorrow or Tuesday. :)

Dave, great way to check color. I'm wondering how you get the dots in the rite spot. :)

[dcorc]

Dave, great way to check color. I'm wondering how you get the dots in the rite spot.

In photoshop:

take the image, duplicate the layer.
Do a "median" on the duplicate to simplify and blur the image slightly.
Create a new top layer, fill it with grey 128,128,128 - make it invisible.
Create a new top layer.
In that layer, use the paintbrush tool set at 19-pixel hard-edge 100% opacity - move the tool to a specific point, press "Alt" (turns the brush to an eyedropper) and click (samples that point in the median'd layer) - let go of "Alt" and without moving the mouse, click again (makes a spot in the top layer)
repeat sampling for each spot you want to make
Make the grey layer visible, at opacity 50%.
Make the median'd layer invisible.
Merge the layers
resize the image (if necessary)
save as jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Sep-2009/30792-lionlayers.jpg

The reason for doing the "median" is to ensure you are taking a spot sample that is accurate for the average colour in that small area (if you spot-sample from a single pixel, they can vary quite a bit).
The 50% opacity grey layer serves to give you a ghosted-out image behind the spots.

Dave

[sidbledsoe]

I have had no time to paint this week until tonight but I got to work on these guys this eve, 16x20 artisans cad red lt, yellow ochre, ivory black, white no medium.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Sep-2009/112587-Lions_2.jpg
possible titles, "me and my Mom, the lion", "Early morn beasts of Zorn", "My little cub scout" whatever :smug:

[Ruthie57]

That's turned out great. I love the light and I WISH I knew what they are looking at! Who needs blue I say!

[Ruthie57]

Oh Dave, sorry I appeared to ignore you. Thanks a lot for going to the trouble of pointing out the colour variations.
I guess because I usually use pastels I start dark and build light layers on top. I notice that Marie started light and built up the colour as she went. I must try that for my next one.
My intention is for the lion's colours to be brighter and have more depth than in the ref. I increased the colour temp and saturation before I printed off my ref. I want to get the idea of evening sunlight shining on his fur. Whether it'll work or not is another matter!
Please keep up the advice. I'm so new to oils I don't really know what I'm doing.
Fun though, isn't it!

[couturej]

Dave, Thank you so much for the steps for doing spot sampling. I've printed it off. :)

Sid, your painting is looking great! I like the "My little cub scout" title. :)

[dcorc]

Sid - excellent result there, very nicely done!

My intention is for the lion's colours to be brighter and have more depth than in the ref. I increased the colour temp and saturation before I printed off my ref. I want to get the idea of evening sunlight shining on his fur. Whether it'll work or not is another matter!

Ok, great, Ruth - there are lots of different ways to approach things, equally valid - I wasn't sure how you were intending to proceed, hence my comments - basically, the spot-sampling sort of approach is really a way of thinking about how you get to the colours you want to end up with, whether the intention is to hit them as close as you can, or put a deliberate spin on them - its also not only a way of doing things from photos, or digitally, as its possible to take an analogous approach when painting from life, and match colours area by area, by holding up the tip of a palette-knife with paint on it (a trick described in several 19thC books on painting).

Janet - thanks :)


Dave

[Osteomark]

Here is my first attempt at a limited Zorn Pallete. Cad red hue, yellow ochre, Tit white and lamp black. The hardest part was making green. It was yellow ochre with black and lighted with white. I was not hard find a color on my palette with only 2 colors!!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2009/32048-zorn_appple.JPG.
Please excuse the upper left photo shop grey. They original was just black and was too distracting.
Mark

[sidbledsoe]

Nice painting Mark! the shadows and wood and red apple are very well rendered. I know what you mean, with only those colors, mixing is pretty streamlined.
Thank you Ruth and Janet.

[couturej]

Mark, Great painting! The form looks perfect and love the way you did the wood! :)

[marie_d]

Thank you everyone for your comments.....

Sid....Love the light in your painting, it has a nice calming feel to it.

Mark....Lovely apples, great form. Very good how you have achieved such good colouring with only the 4 colours you have used.

Heres my 'little cup' hopefully with some form now? Even though its the smallest of the items to paint, it was the hardest :eek: Didn't want to go any darker with the darkest values in it because the cup is the lighter value than the pots. So to make it come forward more I had to go darker on the value on the middle pot where it is behind the cup. Also added a little more hi-lites on the pots.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2009/102905-pots.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2009/102905-pots_touch_up.jpg

[couturej]

Marie, the cup looks great!:)

[Osteomark]

Marie,
Nailed it! Suuupper job.
Mark

[Ruthie57]

Mark, well done on the apples and on the boards they sit on.
Marie, the cup looks much more 3D now.

[Dana Design]

Marie, good job on the cup! Looking good!

[greywolf-art]

I wish I had more time to spare so that I could do this challenge - I love working with a limited pallette, when drawing in conte pastels I often limit myself to just black, white & sanguine, with maybe a bit of bistre thrown in :)

Some great work being done here but at the risk of upsetting a few people painting a subject that is already pretty much yellow ochre to begin with is kinda missing the point, the real challenge with a limited pallette like this is painting sujects that contain a wider range of colours, the lack of a blue for example is no challenge if you choose a subject lacking in blues to begin with ;)

my only real problem with this challenge would be that I don't own a single tube of black paint, I always use paynes grey for any blacks :rolleyes: and I don't intend to go out and buy a tube of black paint just for one challenge :lol:

[sidbledsoe]

Another zorn is born, this was a quick sketch, I just wanted to paint something tonight so I just based it on a former painting of mine. Same colors as before, 9x12 canvas pad, nothing special, just a quicky for fun:
The former reference painting, full palette:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2009/112587-evening.jpg
The new sketch in Zorn's world:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2009/112587-eve_moon.jpg
(you know I may just repaint this old stream, evening scenes should be more tonal)
water sols make it nice for quick sketching, pull out a canvas pad, squeeze out some paint and dig in, no medium, a few brushes and an emptly salsa jar with water, when you are done wipe em and they easily wash clean in just soap and water, I have been using a cheap folding watercolor palette and just wipe it out with a paper towel.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2009/112587-IMGP2060.JPG
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2009/112587-IMGP2061.JPG
close it up and stick it in the fridge, done! :wave:

[marie_d]

I have chosen the image below from the RIL provided by 'john n', hope this is the way to do this challenge?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Sep-2009/102905-Copy_of_PICT0096.jpg

Some great work being done here but at the risk of upsetting a few people painting a subject that is already pretty much yellow ochre to begin with is kinda missing the point, the real challenge with a limited pallette like this is painting sujects that contain a wider range of colours, the lack of a blue for example is no challenge if you choose a subject lacking in blues to begin with ;)

Thanks for the pointer greywolf-art, now the message is clear, off to the drawing board ....and start all over again. I for one, is not upset, this is the whole idea of WC, helping each other. As I look at it now, I havn't managed to completed the challenge, so it's still on:D

[Ruthie57]

Love the landscape Sid (both of them) and great tip about the palette. How long do the oils keep workable in it?
Greywolf you are right. Thing is I fell in love with the lion when I saw the pic and, as I also have no black, I had to do something in warm colours only. I'm using burnt umber instead of black but I have a special dispensation :) to use blue to make black with the burnt umber so I may be able to get some cool shadows.
Here's where I'm at with Lenny. I think he's less of a cartoon and more a caracature (sp?) now. Perhaps he'll end up as a stylised lion or p'raps he'll begin to look realistic. I'll have to let him decide :cool:. I lost the eyes a bit somewhere along the way but will retrieve their shape when this coat is dry.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2009/189061-lion4.JPGsmall.JPG

[marie_d]

Sid, I like both landscapes, the full palette and the limited one. Its amazing the different atmosphere you can create
using the limited colour palette. Good idea about the cheap palette, much smaller and compact than the type I am using:thumbsup:

Ruthie, I fell into the same trap as well, I liked my pots pic too:heart: Lenny is looking great, good how you have tackled the alterations. :thumbsup:

[couturej]

Graham, For me it's a matter of gradually getting the hang of of it. Just using black is always a challenge for me. Not upset and you bring up a good point. If I have time I'll try to choose something with a wider range of colors for the next one. Bob did state that he doesn't expect us to go out and buy more paint for this challenge so I would think Payne's Gray would work if you have the time. :)

Sid, Beautiful landscapes! Thank you for sharing the watercolor palette. Great idea! :)

Marie, Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next. :)

Ruth, I really like the direction your lion is taking. Can't wait to see your next update. :)

[sidbledsoe]

Just beautiful Ruth and Marie, I love the pots and the lion. Nothing wrong with anything anyone has chosen or done, you can paint your "blues" into any of these if you want, invent them if they aren't there. Ruth if you stick the paints in the freezer they can last for weeks, several days in the fridge, only a day room temp unless it is a slow drier like white.
Next I plan on getting in a portrait ala zorn!

[marie_d]

Thanks Janet and Sid....

Sid, as long as my next painting originally had blue and green in it, it should be OK?

[sidbledsoe]

Hi Marie, I am sure Bob will be along soon to explain but I think anything is ok, the challenge is to just use the limited zorn palette or even more limited like without a red. You did a nice painting with those pots and the shadows and shelf look cooler to me than in the reference photo. The soft surface texture of the pots came out great, you did great!
When you compare them next to each other as I said I like your tones overall better. The only thing I would have done is slap in those bright white highlights! I think I can even make out a window reflected in that big pot.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2009/112587-102905-pots_touch_up.jpeg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2009/112587-102905-Copy_of_PICT0096.jpeg

[marie_d]

Thanks Sid...the really white hi-lites would finish this painting off. The only problem is, I need to leave it for a couple of days to really dry out enough for me to be able to blend it without muddying it up.

You wern't supposed to notice the window reflection:D

[mawdwyn]

This has been a fun challenge. I'm really enjoying seeing what everyone has done. I had to take a little time off from my painting, so I've been lurking while I wait for some paint to dry.
I really over worked the eyes in my painting - scraped them off twice - so I want to make sure it's good and dry before I tackle the eyes again. This one might end up over in the trash bin! If I can't save it, I'll start something different.

Callie

[Ruthie57]

At the risk of boring you here's another pic of what I did today. Bit of work on the right hand fur, adjusted and blocked in the nose, some work on the mouth area and put in the fur which fades into the background.
I probably won't be working on him again 'til Friday. Then I'll be starting the detail. Wish me luck!!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2009/189061-lion5.JPGsmall.JPG

[id-art]

I've found the one click 'Pixelate' effect to be useful in Paintshop Pro. Similar to Dave's method. Set for a width of 30 pixels in both...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2009/54863-JANET_Lion_pix30.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2009/54863-JANET_PAINTING_pix30.jpg

[Osteomark]

Sid,
Just wanted say nice job on your quick redo landscape. I like the folding palette idea also. I agree with how fast you can do a painting. I think I can venture out on a plein air this fall given the ease of the WSO. All I need now is a box to carry the 9x11" canvas on board for me. I think they are called Pochaud boxes or something like that. Thanks for making life simpler.
Mark

[sidbledsoe]

Thanks Mark, since you mentioned it I will give you this link to a thread that shows a pochade box I made. I used water solubles there too because of the ease of cleanup. I did a really quick one in that thread and someone wanted to buy it! so I took it home and fixed it up before I let him have it.
I hope you get out there soon and show us the pics too, Sid
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=566088

[Ruthie57]

That looks interesting Bob! I guess I'll have to get some sort of photo imaging software. It seems so expensive though!

[id-art]

That looks interesting Bob! I guess I'll have to get some sort of photo imaging software. It seems so expensive though!

Take a look at Gimp...it's free!

http://www.gimp.org/about/introduction.html

[InkyEss]

Some great work being done here but at the risk of upsetting a few people painting a subject that is already pretty much yellow ochre to begin with is kinda missing the point, the real challenge with a limited pallette like this is painting sujects that contain a wider range of colours, the lack of a blue for example is no challenge if you choose a subject lacking in blues to begin with ;)



The biggest challenge for me is actually painting something that looks remotely like the subject (regardless of the colour) :lol:

[Osteomark]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Sep-2009/32048-roseoil.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Sep-2009/32048-tugoil.JPG
here is a tugboat Ultramarine blue and cad red hue, tit white and lamp black
Also here is a rose with yellow ochre, cad red hue, tit white and lamp black.
Both little 5x7". Had fun with these. I'll crop them later.
Mark

[couturej]

Callie, I'm sorry to hear about the problems you're having with your painting. I hope you're able to save it. :)

Wow Ruth your lion is looking fantastic! I love the colors in the fur! :)

Mark, great paintings! The rose is lovely and the boat scene has a very interesting perspective. :)

[marie_d]

Callie...have you tried just gently rubbing the eyes out with clean water if it hasn't dried out too much. I have done this in the past using a piece of kitchen towel (if any fibres from the paper get left behind brush it off with a soft brush). Sometimes scraping it off leaves raw edges and marks on the canvas and makes it noticable where you have altered something even after you have painted over it.

Ruth...you are doing fine... can't wait to see the detail going in.

Inky...I think you can make a good painting, your teddy came out lovely.

Mark...Like the results of the rose painting with the limited colours. Very nice background.

I have just started my 2nd attempt....this one has some blue and green it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Sep-2009/102905-fruit2.jpg

This is only a 10x8 using Yellow Ochre, Cad Red Hue, Lamp Black, White. Looking very crude at the moment, wanted to get down my first lean layer as soon as pos.

[mawdwyn]

Marie - that's a gorgeous photo, looking forward to seeing the finished painting.
I think I've saved my painting from the trash bin, still a lot of work left to do, but I've been trying to fix the faces before moving on to the rest:

452167

Callie

[marie_d]

Callie...glad you are feeling happier with your painting. It is looking beautiful already. Cant wait to see the finished product.

My dish of fruit picture is from the RIL and was contributed by 'mprince', he only has a couple of pics, but they are marvellous.

[Ruthie57]

Janet, thanks for your comments. Still waiting to see yours......
Marie...this one is certainly more of a challenge colour wise. I'll be looking out for updates.
Callie...those girls look so good. I think you've fixed the faces. They look really sweet. Looking forward to seeing the completed piece. It doesn't look, to me, like a limited palette so you're obviously doing it right!
Did some more on Lenny today and he's starting to look more like a Leonard! Will post a pic later if I have time.

[couturej]

Marie, Looking good! :)

Callie, so glad you were able to save your painting! It looks fantastic! :)

Ruth, I'm finished and it looks like a good one for the trash bin. :)

Here it goes. I'll call it bad hair day. My palette was Ivory Black, Vermilion and Yellow Ochre.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Sep-2009/84697-IMG_7208_cr.jpg

[Ruthie57]

Janet, don't be so hard on yourself and don't you dare consign this to the trash! You have the face shape and all the basic form very good as far as I can see. The only things I would mention is that the eyes look a bit squinty. If you widen them a little it'll give him more life. Also, when it's dry, why not put in a bit more detail on the face, especially the source of the whiskers and the edge of the face where it meets the mane, a few deeper shadows here and there.
Hope you don't mind me airing my thoughts but I think this is really good, just not quite finished yet.

[greywolf-art]

Marie - that's a gorgeous photo, looking forward to seeing the finished painting.
I think I've saved my painting from the trash bin, still a lot of work left to do, but I've been trying to fix the faces before moving on to the rest:

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Callie

looks to me like you have really got the hang of the limited pallette, this is a fantastic peice :)

[couturej]

Ruth, Thank you very much for your help and kick in the you know what. I'll try getting back to this one next week and make the suggested changes. :)

[Ruthie57]

You're welcome Janet! I always worry that I'll sound as if I don't know what I'm talking about seeing as I really don't know what I'm doing with my own art!

Here's where I got to with mine yesterday. It didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I worked on the mane and started detailing the top half of the head. I will have to go back over that when it's dry to add the detail I failed to achieve this time!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Sep-2009/189061-lion6.JPGsmall.JPG

[mawdwyn]

Thank you all (Marie, Ruthie, Janet, Greywolf) for your comments. It's amazing to me just how far a few comments (suggestions etc...) will take me. I can't tell you how many paintings I've thrown away or abandoned over the years - I was ready to toss this one too. It's great having all the feedback - it really keeps me motivated to finish this painting/challenge.
Janet - I hope you'll follow through with yours, too. He's looking good!

Callie

[InkyEss]

Mark, both nice paintings making good use of limited palette… I particularly like the flowers.:thumbsup:

Marie, wow you certainly like a challenge… good start. BTW I loved what you did with the pots.:thumbsup:

Callie, that looks like being a great painting. I love the hair, nice shine and pretty girls - wonderful work with the limited palette :clap: . I’m watching to see what you do.

Sid, what a lovely landscape, that water is superb.:clap: I like how you utilised the watercolour palette… I have an old one like that which I could use. Thanks for giving me that idea!

Janet, I do hope you don’t give up on this. It’s looking good so far, great mane, good head shape and if you have a break from it and come back I’m sure you’ll soon see what is needed to finish.:thumbsup:

Ruthie, wonderful regal looking lion. Great work.:clap:

I got rather stuck on teddies… it’s become a bit of an obsession, limited palette and teddy! I must try something else soon before I go completely nuts. :lol:

Both using raw sienna, burnt sienna, ivory black and titanium white:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Sep-2009/68454-Teddy_Amongst_Jars.JPG

Just started this one... needs more work:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Sep-2009/68454-Teddy3.JPG

Sorry colour on this image is a bit out... photo taken in poor light. Will get a better one when I update.

[mawdwyn]

Great job Inky! :clap:
Love the expression on the bear's face (1st pic). Looks like you got a good range of colors from your limited palette. It's surprising how blue black can seem next to some of these other colors.

Callie

[InkyEss]

Thanks Callie. The apparent blue is in fact black with bits of the other colours mixed in... kind of hit and miss with me 'cos I don't know what I'm doing. :wink2: But I'm having great fun nevertheless. :)

[mawdwyn]

Well, Keep it up - it's working :)

Callie

[marie_d]

Janet.....I agree with Ruth, re-shape the eyes, and add more detail to the face by adding darker shading to define the bridge of the nose and the muzzle area. Put more darker shading around the face to show the start of the growth of main. Also, try to paint the mane in sections like Ruth has. You are 90% there, just needs a few finishing touches. Sometimes I dont feel like painting and have to really be in the mood for it. My last spell has taken over 8 months. This challenge is the first painting I've done since then.

Ruth...he is grand. Thats the problem working on layers in oils, the waiting for it to dry bit. If its still wet any detail painted on top just gets 'lost'. I'm still waiting to put the finishing hi-lites on my pots.

Inky.....Love the little cool dude sat on top of the container. He has nicely formed ears and body etc, and clear button bright eyes.

Callie.... I did a bit of research to-day on the limited colour palette and found a few interesting tips. I think they were saying it is an optical illusion.

i.e. Mix grey made from black and white.

Place the grey next to a yellow area = purple cast
Place the grey next to an orange area = blue cast
Place the grey next to a red area = green cast

Dont know if it's true, will have to try it out. Not done any painting to-day, been to busy with chores, hope to get something done tomorrow, see you all then:wave:

[Ruthie57]

Inky, keep it up with the teddies. I think they're great and they look so colourful too! I guess I ought to try another with a few more colours in to see if I can make the limited palette work for me.
Thanks Marie. I'm starting to get a bit of a feel for oils but I usually work with pastels and with them you can go from blocking in to refining to adding detail one after the other. It'll take time but I will get it eventually!

[couturej]

Ruth, Wow your lion is looking fantastic! The fur is superb! :)

Callie, Thank you! I intend to try and improve on my painting but I do find it difficult because I have more of a painterly approach so I think I need to take a look at some paintings of animals in this style to get some ideas. I'm use to working with wet paint so once it dries I'm clueless as to how to continue.:)

InkyEss, Thank you! Your teddies are wonderful!:)

Marie, thank you for support and help!:)

[couturej]

Well changed my mind and going to just move on and start trying to do some still lifes alla prima for practice. I don't think black and alla prima work well for me. :)

[marie_d]

update.....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Sep-2009/102905-upload_fruit_platter.JPG

Managed to get another couple of layers down. Lowered the grapes across the back on the right, just brought the red down over them. Next thicker layers should cover them properly. Will start to put some form in next with various values to shape everything, just flat at the moment.
I mixed a black and white for the plate, as in one of my previous posts I had come across something surfing that if you place this made up grey next to an orange area it will be seen as having a 'blue' cast. Could be right? What do you think? Will have to make sure the base of the pears have a lot of orangey colours in them:D The greens going to be the problem, trying to get the grapes 'translucent and green' :mad:

[Ruthie57]

Well the plate definately does appear blue and the grape green is pretty green looking too. It's coming on well.

[couturej]

Marie, great to see how you're handling the colors. I find the plate looks violet certainly not grey. Very interesting.

[marie_d]

Thanks Ruth and Janet.....Been painting with the larger sized brushes the last couple of days, (painting the bedroom ceiling), from one extreme to the other :D.
Wont be able to do anything tomorrow going to the Liverpool Conservation Centre for a hands on Illuminated calligraphy session. Hope to get a bit more done on Thursday.
Janet...shows you how much I know about painting (been doing if for nearly 4 years now on and off) had to check the meaning for 'alla prima' :) Completed in one layer instead of the conventional layers......like wet on wet.....I can see now why you felt out of your comfort zone......anyhow, hope you enjoy your next painting.

[couturej]

Marie, Thank you for your understanding! I'll be watching for your next update. :)

[mawdwyn]

That fruit is looking good, Marie - nice range of colors.
Janet - I may have "bitten off more than I can chew". Had to take a break from the little girls and start something else. I still hope to finish it for this month's challenge, but I needed a break! I hope you'll go back to your lion at some time and finish him (even if it's with a full range of colors!).

Callie

[InkyEss]

I did a bit of research to-day on the limited colour palette and found a few interesting tips. I think they were saying it is an optical illusion.

i.e. Mix grey made from black and white.

Place the grey next to a yellow area = purple cast
Place the grey next to an orange area = blue cast
Place the grey next to a red area = green cast

Dont know if it's true, will have to try it out.

Good research, Marie. It is true that one colour is affected by the colour put next to it and so I can see that this would work. As you say, we must try it out! :thumbsup:

The fruit is coming along nicely and I will be interested to see how you progress with this.

Janet, I do hope you go back to the lion at some point because it was very good and just needed final adjustments, more darks to face and it would be fabulous. :thumbsup:

Callie, stay strong, that's what challenges are all about. As someone recently told me, the harder the struggle the sweeter the victory! :thumbsup:

I have not had time to do more as yet, but here is a better photo of the last teddy taken in better light - he needs more darks! Sorry to bore you with more teddies :D

Same colours used as before raw sienna, burnt sienna, ivory black, titanium white. ( must admit I love the cleanability of these oils! :clap: )

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Sep-2009/68454-Teddy_seated.JPG

[couturej]

Hi Callie! so sorry to hear about your painting. It was looking so beautiful. Sometimes I think we all nead a break. I was determined to paint on a regular basis but that doesn't seem to be working out too well. Doing a series of simple subjects may help for me. I may go back to it at some point and your suggestion of using a full range of colors is probably the way I'll tackle it. Thank you for your support! :)

Hi InkyEss! Such a cute bear! You did a wonderful job! Not bored at all I'm loving it! I agree about my lion needing more darks and I might try to make some adjustments at some point or just try another lion keeping in mind the things that went wrong on this one. Thank you for your support! I love the way WMOs clean up as well. :)

[sidbledsoe]

Nice work all fellow challengers!
I have been asked to host the October monthly challenge and I thought I would select for one, a fall landscape scene that is colorful, let me know if you would like any other genres represented like portrait, still life, more cute animals, whatever! Sid

[mawdwyn]

Good idea Sid - a subject with NO FACES :evil:
Thank You!

Now I must get back to my girls... they look a little like the kids in "Village of the Damned" :

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I have made some progress with their eyes - will move on to the clothing and hands, then call it done.

Callie

[couturej]

Hi Sid, Thank you so much for taking on the challenge for October. I would like still life and animal as well if it isn't too much trouble. I need practice in all areas but these and landscapes are the ones that I'm really clueless. :)

Hi Callie, that's pretty spooky. :eek: I know you'll prevail with your painting and it won't look like the kids in "Village of the Damned". :)

[InkyEss]

Sid, I'm looking forward to next month's challenge.... quite honestly, anything would be a challenge to me so I don't really mind what it is. :D

I must admit I have really enjoyed taking part in this month's challenge. I am fairly new to using WM oils and it has been great fun and very educational trying to get to grips with using a limited palette.

[Brenda Y]

I've been lurking much more than participating this month. Just this morning I was thinking about looking for a good Fall landscape to work on! October's challenge sounds wonderful and maybe my schedule will permit me to participate instead of drool over everyone else's paintings.

[sidbledsoe]

Thanks to all and it will be great to welcome all newcomers to the fun of our group challenge, now keep those zorns coming!

[Ruthie57]

Callie, I'm sure the eyes on your girls are lovely! Can't wait to see the finished piece.
Sid, I would love to try a landscape in oils. It can't possibly be more difficult or frustrating than my Lion!
Worked on Lord Leo today and I have never felt so frustrated! I know I'm new to oils but I just can't get the brush/paint to do what I want. Thought I may finish it today.........Hah, no chance. I'm very nearly ready to call it a day with it as I'm heartily sick of it!
Anyway, here he is, his Leo-ness.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Sep-2009/189061-Lion7.JPGsmall.JPG

[InkyEss]

Ruthie, he is absolutely gorgeous! You have used your colours to great effect. I love how his nose comes forward as it should and that lovely mane just makes you want to hug him (probably not a good idea! :lol: ).

If this were my painting I would be thrilled with it, it's great. :clap:

[couturej]

Ruth, you're are waaaay too hard on yourself. Your lion looks so regal. The form is great and the mane looks fantastic. :)

[marie_d]

Hi everyone...not done any more painting over the last couple of days, been busy with the chores.

Sid.....thank you for hosting next months challenge. Anything will be fine by me, if its not still life it will be a challenge for me anyhow.

Callie...looking forward to seeing your 'girls'.

Brenda....hope to see you in next weeks challenge, the more the merrier.

Ruth...what can I say about Leonard!!!!! He's so handsome.If I could paint an animal as good as you have painted him I would be really proud. He has great form in the face, the mane and fur are well painted, I think I would add a few fine white whiskers though to really finish him off ,smashing....:thumbsup:

[sidbledsoe]

Ruth, Go ahead and put it in the book, you have a winner right there!

[Brenda Y]

Ruth,
I agree with the others, I'd be thrilled to pieces if Leo were mine! He's absolutely gorgeous, and I'd say put your brush down -- he's FINISHED!!

[mawdwyn]

Ruthie - I think you turned this month's challenge into a success! His fur/mane is wonderful.

Callie

[Ruthie57]

Thank you everyone! OK, he's turned out quite well but not as like the photo as I would've liked. But he ISN'T finished yet. I've still some work to do on the mouth area, the RH side fur and, of course the whiskers which I'll put in last.
You've really given me a boost with your lovely comments after the frustrations of painting yesterday!

[mawdwyn]

I worked a little more on this (faces, hair, background -sorry about the glare), still have to do the hands and fabric:

453123

Looking forward to October's challenge... and a full palette of colors :lol:

Callie

[InkyEss]

The girls are looking good, Callie. Nice skintones and I love the hair. Can't wait to see more. :clap:

[mkayi]

Hi everyone,

This seemed like the best chance to get my hands on oil again. I haven't scanned my attempts yet and I think I have a few technical questions.

Ruth, I like your Lion very much, even if your colours are more saturated than the reference! I like the warm glow of the palette.

til tonight.
Mu

[couturej]

Callie, Beautiful painting! The faces are lovely. I love the texture in the hair.

[Ruthie57]

Callie, your girls are lovely! And the way you've used the black is looking really blue in places.

[couturej]

Hi mkayi, looking forward to seeing your paintings. :)

[mkayi]

Hi there,

here it is...

I've got somewhat lengthy explanations following, because I would like to ask you all something, so bear with me...^^

This is very loosely based on a Rembrandt ref (portrait of painter Henrik Martensz, or something like that). My main goal was not an accurate mastercopy, but to get a feel for the oil colours.

Palette:
- titanium white
- ivory black
- alizarin crimson
- burnt umber

...all of which artisan W&N

I mixed the red and the umber for a ground wash. Then I created

- a dark tone with black+umber and two lighter tones from white+umber.
- two lighter tones of a.crimson+white (for reddish tones on the line between light and shade where the blood shines through... or where I hoped it made sense...:D )

I used a lot of thinner (W&N) in the first washes and used less and less for subsequent "rounds". I went from dark to light (which is the main reason I am trying oils at all, because I wanted a change from the light to dark glazing in watercolours!).

Questions:

1.
I don't know if you see it the same way, but if you compare the (dark) umber wash on the upper forehead to the lighter umber shades directly beneath the lighter value tone is not only lighter but also both cooler and more opaque or blocked/milky. I guess the milky character stems from umber being transparent and titanium white being opaque(?), and thus cannot be helped. But how about the coolness? Can I keep that in check somehow?

2.
Where can I find a list which tells me which of my colours are opaque, which are transparent?

3.
Is there a way to go from dark to light with only transparent mixes? Is there a transparent white? In other words: can I control the milky/blocked character of the lighter values?

Phew, I guess that's it for now. Sorry for the tons of text, but I had so many question marks during the process... but also a lot of fun, and that's the most important thing for me...:clap:


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Sep-2009/65613-Mertensz.jpg

[couturej]

Your painting is looking very good. I'm looking forward to another update. :)

1. Adding too much white for me can create a milky appearance and titianium white is very opaque. You can warm up any colour with a little yellow.

2. Here's a link to the colour chart for W&N Artisan just click on the colour you're interested in and it will let you know the transparency of the colour: http://www.winsornewton.com/products/oil-colours/artisan-water-mixable-oil-colour/colour-chart/

I don't know about question #3 as I'm always striving for more opaque.

[mkayi]

hey couturej,

the link is great! *bookmark

Also curious to try your advice with the yellow. Thanks for the quick reply.

[InkyEss]

Hi mkyi :wave:

I like the portrait, you have done a very good job.:thumbsup:

There is a transparent white in traditional oils (I think it's W&N) and so it's likely they also do transparent white in watermixable range.

[mkayi]

Thanks InkyEss,

I just realized I could search the link to the colour info provided above to check for transparent whites!

Aaand research results are: there is another white (zinkweiß in german, don't know what that is in english) which is opaque, too, but reportedly much less opaque than titanium and recommended for glazing and tonal work.

I will try this and report back. Thanks a lot, folks!

[Ruthie57]

If I remember rightly (without going out to the studio) I have W&N artisan zinc white which is also known as mixing white. There is quite a difference between it and the titanium white (I also have) which is much more opaque. Inexperienced as I am I use the zinc white for mixing and it doesn't make the colour as milky as the titanium. Hope this helps!
Oh, and MU, thank you for your comments re my lion! Didn't mean to ignore you. I purposely warmed up the ref pic as I wanted him to have a warmer glow than in the original.

[mkayi]

Didn't mean to ignore you.

Oh, no worries! The thing with the glow worked perfectly...:D

I am looking forward to using the zinc white and compare it!

[Ruthie57]

Right, well this time it IS finished. Rightly or wrongly I've given him some eyes, didn't like those dark caverns!
What a relief!! (To you as well as me I imagine).
Roll on next months challenge!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Sep-2009/189061-lion_final.JPGsmall.JPG

[InkyEss]

Just perfect, Ruthie. :clap:

I also love the movement in the mane. :thumbsup:

[couturej]

Ruth, Your lion is sooo great! I love, love, love that mane. You did a fantastic job on the eyes... they were really bad in the photo. :)

[Ruthie57]

Thank you Inky and Janet! I guess I'm sort of pleased with him, even though he didn't turn out like the photo. Why I needed him to be like the photo I don't really know......................

[InkyEss]

Ruthie, I always think the photo ref is just a starting point, a good artist kicks off from there and makes the painting their own. You did a great job. :thumbsup:

[Brenda Y]

Ruthie,
I didn't think he could be any more perfect, but he IS!! He's alive now -- love what you did with the eyes, a terrific example of how to make the photo better than it is.

[couturej]

I'm with InkyEss on the photo just being a starting point. You didn't copy the photo exactly you made it better. Just something I've learned along the way is paint in the way that feels rite for you. I think that's where personal style comes in IMO.

[marie_d]

mkayi....good job on the portrait:thumbsup:

Ruth....Beautiful work.....great job on the mane, fur and the eyes :thumbsup:

Sorry havn't any update on mine, been wallpapering the last couple of days.:wave:

[Ruthie57]

Ooh, this is the last day. New challenge tomorrow! Thanks everyone for your brilliant guidance and support of my Lion journey. If it were not for you I may be thinking of throwing in the towel with oils. However, I'm already planning a moving horse in oils for the course I'm doing and I will be in on the October challenge too.
By the way, I've been going to a local Art group for a couple of weeks and today we had a new Tutor start. I told her that, unlike the others there, I don't get on so well with watercolour but use lots of other media including WS oils. She said, oh they are very difficult, maybe you'd better leave them 'til you have more experience! I guess she doesn't use WS oils herself............

[InkyEss]

Thank you Bob for hosting a terrific challenge. I have really enjoyed it and shall continue to experiment with a limited palette. :clap:

Thanks everybody here too for the wonderful paintings that have been a joy to view and for your kind comments and support.

Looking forward to the October challenge. :thumbsup:

Ruthie, your tutor obviously hasn't seen your lion! I disagree with her about WS oils being difficult... compared to watercolours they are a breeze. :wink2:

[mawdwyn]

Ruthie - I find it so funny that people think water color is good for beginners and that oils are hard to use. With oils, one can scrape, wipe off, or paint over mistakes - unlike watercolor. Maybe that tutor needs a little more experience :)!
I think you're doing great with the oils!

When do we get to see October's challenge? I need to start something new for the Wed. night workshop I go to.....

Callie

[sidbledsoe]

Hi,
I can put it in within about an hour and give you a headstart, I was going to wait til late tonight but I don't think that will matter, Sid