Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Inch by Inch 14/30

Yesterday's work was about prepping and planning. Today is the execution of all that prep work! In decorative painting, a pattern is traced onto a prepped background or surface and the painting commences. Trying to trace the seahorses on such a rough and colorful background was very challenging. I used both dark and light graphite to be able to see where I was tracing. And there were some really rough areas that I had to just wing it! But that's okay - that will just add to the quirkiness of the finished work (I hope). The basecoating took a bit of time but I am happy with it at the moment. Not too worried about some of the background showing through - that will add to the texture. The little white crosshatching strokes down the middle of the seahorses is the beginning of some lighter highlight layers. And the first layer of shading & highlighting on the fronds is accomplished.
Full canvas view.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

This is nice!

Julia said...

Gorgeous piece!
Hugs,
Julia

Unknown said...

thank you for sharing your process. So inspiring to peek behind the scenes. Seahorses are so magical.

kelly hoernig said...

the elongation of this piece along with the drips and flora is just making me drool, can't wait to see the finished art!