This first image is the very first layer of underpainting.
So far so good. This painting is going to be as much about the clouds as it is about the marsh and I went in to add more detail and depth to the sky, while also adding detail and darks to the ground to balance.
I'm not unhappy with the results, but I can't help wondering if I might like it more with darker tones near the tree line and in the clouds. The surface is not dry enough to add a wash to it so instead I take a digital image and add the changes with Photoshop.
The changes are subtle, but it gives me the information I need and soothes my impatience at the same time.
I use this method frequently, finding that it's especially helpful and time saving on larger work.
5 comments:
What a great idea to use a digital photo. Thanks for the suggestion! And I love the painting! Fun to see different stages.
How interesting! I love seeing the progression of this image. I have also experimented in photoshop before I have sat down to hand-color a photograph. It frees me up a bit. Thanks!
Katherine, thanks for telling us about this part of your process. I have used a digital camera to capture the various stages along the way, but never thought to use them as problem solvers. Great idea!
I'm glad you're all finding this a useful idea.
One of my favorite aspects of digital photo manipulation is the ability to retrace your steps. It helps me to see if I'm really making progress.
Wow, what an interesting technique, combining traditional with digital. My wife is a budding watercolor painter. I'll have to see if she is interested in this.
But beyond that, I mainly just want to say how much I like this calm and pleasing image.
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