We All Cast Shadows

Hello my friends,

This week I didn't get a lot of play time, but I did manage to finish a painting. For week 31 of Life Book 2016, we had a lesson with the talented Gillian Lee Smith and I must say it really got my creative juices flowing ... I also got very very messy in the earlier stages :o)


This month Life Book has been all about light and dark. Gillian encouraged us to be brave, and to accept that as we build up layers we will have to let go of part of what was there before, but that's ok because it's all part of the journey and it all helps to bring depth and interest to the piece. She also warned us to be very patient, allowing time for each of the layers to dry completely before going on to the next ...

We started with a light layer, applying gesso with a coarse brush and scratching words into it; then came a layer of dark, dark ink; then more light; then some earthy colours and so on, rubbing and scrubbing and dabbing at each layer, adding and taking away, until we were happy with the background. This whole process took place over several days for me, doing a bit here and there.

Then Gillian showed us a technique which was totally new to me, but I will definitely revisit. Taking an image with strongly contrasting shadows and light, we used old-fashioned carbon paper to transfer the outline and a rough indication of the shadowed areas to our background, before going back in with pencils and paint to add detail and definition. I loved the sketchy, inky lines of the carbon paper transfer and this method did make me very bold with my shading.

Mine turned out very differently from Gillian's and not at all as I had planned. I loved the idea of the windows in the background of Gillian's painting, but couldn't bring myself to risk losing the background work - not brave enough after all then! :o)

Thanks for visiting me today, see you again soon.

Annie xxx

Comments

Helen Wallace said…
Well I think you are brave! Trying all these new techniques and sticking with such a long programme. The results are there on the page. Fabulous work.
Lisca said…
Wow! That is stunning! Well done you!
Have a great day (and week)
Lisca
Wow, you're turning into quite an artist, Annie! This looks stunning and so expressive! I don't blame you for not wanting to cover up the background. This way, all the focus is on the figures.