WIP-Sunflowers-help needed

Katie Black · #1 08-08-2012, 06:00 PM

Hi, This painting is a small 12 x 12" on black paper which I realise is not ideal for a landscape....I am having problems with the sky, I have erased the sky four times now, so thought I would post on here in the hope of help. I am not sure of colours for the sky, I have tried various mixes to make a nice grey but then had trouble with the clouds, the problem is I feel the yellow of the Sunflowers is bright and the sky needs to be bright as well but I can't seem to achieve this.

I have spent a lot of time reading "how to paint skys and clouds" but its not working for me, I need a visual. I need to order a DVD, can anyone suggest a good one as this is the third day on this painting and it has made me feel quite miserable today.

pointy · #2 08-08-2012, 06:06 PM

working on black can be a special challenge! Liz Haywood-Sullivan has a dvd on skies, I have only seen the preview but it looks really good and her work is amazing...

**DAK723** · #3 08-08-2012, 07:39 PM

I wouldn't feel miserable, this is very nicely done!

Starting with black is a challenge if you want to have light and luminous color - especially if you have medium to hard pastels. The softer pastel brands will always help cover better (whether it is the paper color or the initial layers of pastel) as they are quite opaque.

Personally, I think the atmosphere of the sky in this painting works very well. If you make the sky as bright as the sunflowers - or even nearly as bright - then you reduce the emphasis on the sunflowers. I would keep it as is!

Don

camrock06 · #4 08-08-2012, 08:47 PM

I agree, it is perfect and dramatic as it is. If anything a little light purple in the lower reaches of the sky, just a thought. Also with a really soft pastel you can blanket any color paper with ease if it has enough tooth. I paint on black sanded paper, it is my favorite.

Katie Black · #5 08-08-2012, 11:34 PM

Pointy....Thank you I am going to look at her work and order it...it sounds like she is what I am looking for...I have really needed a pastel class, but thats not possible where I live, and I am not really a beginner, just a bit stuck, but I know if I can just see someone demonstrating technique I will be flying.
DAK723....Thats great news..I'm thrilled..really..I will just slightly tweak it then, and yes I wanted the Sunflowers to be the main emphasis of the painting so your advice does make sense. I am using Rembrandts, which I believe are medium soft..if someone could suggest some super soft pastels I will order them online.
Camrock06..Thank you so much..I will try the pale purple, could you tell me where you purchased your sanded black paper..because I do love black for some of my other work and the paper I am using is Strathmore Black Art Paper 12 x 12"..the pastels just seem to glide beautifully on it, which is great for abstracts, but I probably need something better for landscapes.

camrock06 · #6 08-09-2012, 12:53 AM

I actually get mine here in Houston at Texas Art Supply, but it is Richeson Unison paper, found here also http://reviews.jerrysartarama.com/pr...-10-Packs.html. Hopefully that link works. I have also used Colorfix but didn't like the grit consistency.

jackiesimmonds · #7 08-09-2012, 04:22 AM

If you want the sunflowers to be the main focus of the painting, then you need to give them MORE IMPORTANCE - in terms of the amount of space they take up as a shape - than the sky. Designing the shapes within the rectangle is really important, and having a 50/59 split between sunflowers and what is above them, diminishes the sunflowers.

I am not sure what is going on in the picture. Is there supposed to be a row of trees behind the sunflowers - with a brushed-off sky above?
I am sorry, but I have to disagree with David, I don't think it works as is.
But if you like it, then consider the idea of cropping to make the sunflowers take up more of the space.

And here is my take on it..........
it's a bit "photoshop blurry" but you get the general idea.

Katie Black · #8 08-09-2012, 11:35 AM

Hey thanks Jackie for taking the time to help....I agree the Sunflowers need more importance in terms of space..

The actual painting posted had the sky brushed off...and some of the trees! what you were seeing was a vague imprint of the pastel...so although I know it needs more work in the sky/tree area I am not going to overwork this piece as I could possibly ruin it and I think there is something very appealing about it, and because the Sunflowers appeal to me so much I think I will be doing another one in a larger size...I have printed off your advice and will be taking it down to my studio...have a great day!

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