Tuesday, June 26, 2012

"AAU Figure Painting 2 (Day 1)"

Today is the figure painting day. We started a new painting. Since the failure of my previous figure work, I was a little apprehensive at the beginning. But it turns out rather smooth. I have learned that the brushes I use for the early work were too small. For this painting I used brushes about 2" wide. They are the cheap house painting brushes. You can get a dozen of them for $2 at the Home Depot. Similar to the portrait I did yesterday, I concentrated on modeling. This is a relatively new skill for me. When I do still lives, I don't model seriously, because the objects I paint are much simpler. I was concentrated on light distribution and how to achieve painterly effects. But figure is so subtle and there is no room for mistakes. Zhaoming is a wonderful teacher. He sees things I can't, and give me tips working like a charm. I am so happy to see the progress.

5 comments:

Omar said...

Wow Qiang.. How amazing!! You're improving in giant leaps.. congratulations!!

Unknown said...

This is a great post! I know too well the feeling of apprehension after a few failed paintings... I've even put my oil paints away in the basement for awhile, for that very reason. I'll get back to them when I have more confidence. It's refreshing to know that you got brushes at Home Depot! You've proven that it's the artist that creates the beautiful artwork, not all the expensive equipment that so many people feel they have to buy. I really love how you did the portrait. You mastered the light distribution perfectly! I like the flow of the colors especially. That sounds like a wonderful class!

Barbara Pask said...

This is beautiful Qiang. You are so brave to take this on and the results are amazing.

Christine said...

so lovely...really beautiful and gentle looking

E. Melinda Morrison said...

the lighting on this is wonderful!! A wonderfully sensitively painted painting. Congrats!