Flemish Technique Examples

[maverick]

I originally shared my progress for these paintings over in the Acrylics forum, but thought you folks here might be interested.

After finding that my more detailed underpainting for Apples in a Short Wave Radio Box made it easier to finish the painting, I did a bit of research on the Flemish Technique -- not easy to find information by the way.

Here are the steps I pieced together:

1. drawing,
2. imprimatura (neutral mid-tone wash)
3. umber painting (shadows)
4. dead layer (values)
5-6. color layers
7. highlights and details

I spent the weekend working on 3 small 6x6 paintings, and I tried to follow these steps. It's not that different from what I normally do, except for the dead layer (tonal values).

Egg Cup
6x6 Acrylic on canvas






Salt Shaker
6x6 Acrlyic on canvas

[maverick]

Here is another one where I stopped at the tonal painting step. I'm leaving it the way it is.

Pepper Shaker
6x6 Acrylic on canvas

[Newberry]

Excellent presentation Mark.

Michael

[maverick]

Thanks for the feedback Michael, I appreciate it!

[onefinepint]

Beautiful, beautiful work! Thanks for sharing.

[maverick]

Thank you, and you're welcome!

[Stray Bullet]

The procedure very well described and the demonstration is excellent.
For me, I have tried this approach in part, but gave up on it as I dont seem to have the discipline for it.
I know this is the proper way to paint, and would probably save me hours at the end of the painting when I spend so much time fiddling and arguing with with small bits of the painting and undoing what I have done in places. Maybe the right way for me is to do some small single focus pieces like your demos before struggling with it on a larger scale.

[amurphy]

These studys are so helpful. Thank you for sharing.

I like all of them but I am glad you stopped on the pepper shaker. I keep going back to study it.

[barkingdogg]

Awesome!!! Thanks!

[rain24]

Great little paintings Maverick. I'm curious though, when you do the color layers, is that glazed on with transparent colors to allow the underpainting to show through? I'm so frustrated with school - they can never explain this technique to me .

Thanks,

~Rain

[GoldenEagle]

The egg is magnificent! Nice work.

[maverick]

Thanks StrayBullet...the little studies are great for practicing and learning.

Thanks Audrey...I liked the way the pepper shaker turned out so I decided to leave it that way.

Thanks Susan!

Thanks Rain...yes the color layers are basically transparent, but you might build them up in some places so you won't notice the dead layer underneath anymore. At least you don't think you notice it.

Thanks GoldenEagle!

[PaulSV]

Mav, these are all fab but I have to say, that egg and cup is nothing short of great! You have some of the 'silveriest' silver I've ever seen!

Extra Sweet Job!

[maverick]

Hey Paul, thanks for the kind remarks! I do enjoy painting metal!

[Poiema]

Egg Cup is outstanding!!
I was just browsing through Still Life. Your painting is amazing to me!! You're very skilled and talented - how you painted that egg cup to look like metal like you did ... well it's beyond me! All three of your pieces are excellent!
The flemish method is interesting...
I appreciate you taking the time to explain it.