Second attempt at leaf

olika · #1 11-11-2001, 05:07 PM

Here is another attempt at the same leaf going from (or trying to go from) dark to light.The first one is when it was partially done and the second where I am at now. I am not really pleased with the results. The green that I laid down first really sticks out whereas in the real leaf it is all blended. I tried to pull it all together using the tuscan red but it still shows up really clearly. As I read in an earlier post someone else was having troubles with backgrounds and although I was doing this leaf strictly for it alone, I would like to put a background to it but have no idea what would be good.

Any ideas about where I went wrong ? I don't think the picture is a total loss but it could use help *smile* Any comments welcome ! Thanks

arlene · #2 11-11-2001, 07:04 PM

hi gerri,
which green did you use as the underpainting, and how much pressure did u use? it looks to me in the unfinished piece very dark?

also do u have a pic again of the actual leaf?

olika · #3 11-11-2001, 07:53 PM

I used a deep green in a Laurentian pencil (Canadian make - middle of the road softness) but I used light pressure. It darkened as soon as I applied the crimson over it. As I applied the colours I went heavier. The tuscan red last on was applied fairly heavily. Here is the pic that I was using for the colours although it is not the same leaf. I think I have a lot to learn about tones and values ... most definitely. I get so far along and then I become totally stumped. I envy those who flow from withing as they create a painting.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/i...01/maple_2.jpg

Ivyleaf · #4 11-20-2001, 12:22 AM

I think all you need is a bit more practice to get the right color combo. I'm afraid I don't know that brand of pencils! But I think you've done an excellent job of it! Keep at it!

olika · #5 11-20-2001, 06:05 AM

Thank you, Ivy. I hope you are right. Colour is such an integral part of it all and sometimes I really don't "see" it as I should.

arlene · #6 11-20-2001, 08:51 AM

Olika,
sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner...Ivy is correct...your leaf is lovely...as for learning color there are quite a few books that will give information on color relationships...also look up the work of Josef Albers...

As for going too dark underneath, I still do that also at times...then spend the next week trying to get it lighter...what paper are you working on?
How many layers did you use...also you said that you applied each layer heavier...it's always better to save your heavy layers to your last one or two layers...when you know you're close to what you want.

the rose I posted must have close to 20 layers.

olika · #7 11-20-2001, 07:24 PM

Thanks Arlene... I realise that you are pretty busy so thank you for taking the time. I only used four layers. The paper is Strathmore 140 lb coldpressed. I find that after just a few layers it just gets shiny and doesn't seem to want to take any more colour. I will try to add yet another layer to it of either crimson or tuscan red and see what happens. Definitely need to work on my techniques *smile*. I will post a new thread with two poppies I am working on in a day or so

thanks again !

dnip24 · #8 11-20-2001, 09:53 PM

looks this picture nice, good job olika

arlene · #9 11-20-2001, 11:27 PM

olika go get yourself a sheet of stonehenge paper...also if it's getting shiny so quickly that means you're using too much pressure...as i've said, i use a very light pressure until i'm close to finished.

cp is very time consuming...it means lots of layers done with very light pressure...build up your color that way...very slowly.

olika · #10 11-21-2001, 06:27 AM

thank you, dnip24... hopefully I will get better over time

I will pick up a sheet of stonehenge next time I am near the art store (over an hour from me). I will also really lighten my pressure and see what happens. I totally agree, it is definitely time consuming...not something you can just hurry along. Thanks for your advice.

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