"Gondolas in Venice" finished

 

I have finished this 36" x 36" large painting. On and off, it took me about two weeks. I have learned a lot, especially on color management on large paintings. Painting grays in the background was difficult. I don't want the paint look muddy there. It took me a few iterations to figure out. After this experience I have gained more confidence to paint large, without worrying the painting showing overworking or color getting dirty. I have gone through the transition from an alla prima painter to a true studio painter. I will summarize what I have learned and hope in the future I can share with you on how to paint large.

"Gondolas in Venice" Phase 3

Please be patient with me. This large painting will take a while to finish. For these a few days, I have been working on the figures. I don't want them to be detailed, but the drawing needs to be accurate, and the color needs to be interesting. This is what I got so far. I know some paintings take years to finish. I hope this one will not be that way. Well, I take it back. I started this one in 2017. Now it is 2020. At least I have not got stuck yet. Please wish me luck to have a smooth ride.

I hope you have checked the information of "Realism Live". I wish I could be a part of it, but I have a time conflict. If you have not checked the program, Here is the link: https://realismlive.com/register-now?affiliate_id=2533996. There so many superb artists will demo for this event. It is a great opportunity to learn from them.

"Gondolas in Venice" Phase 1

I am refurbishing a painting I did in 2017. I was stuck at the time, did not know how to finish. The painting was painterly and had some good parts, but there were something wrong with the color and the gesture of the main figure needed quite amount of work. It was a large one, 36" x 36". The correctness of the color relationship is crucial. I was not able to manage at the time. Now I am using my "Painter's Guide" app. I can mix color much more subtly and accurately. So color issue of large paintings will not be a problem any more.

Although my painting style is quite impressionistic, but I am always representational and realistic. If you are also a realistic painter, I recommend you attend an virtual event called "Realism Live" on October 21 - 24, 2020. The link is here (for Instagram users, please copy-n-paste: https://realismlive.com/register-now?affiliate_id=2533996). There are quite many excellent artists will share their tips. You will enjoy this great event.

"Venice Impression (2nd phase)"

The time I spend on a painting either very short (alla prima) or very long. I just can not do a painting in 2 to 4 days. I have shown you this painting at its early stage. Now quite a few days have passed, and the painting has reach to this point. I deliberately resist the temptation to paint more details and move toward the realism direction. I don't think it is the time to stop now, but I am rather confused about what to do for the next step. I am doing a lot of think at this moment. What do you think?

"Venice Impression (in process)"

Sometime, letting what in your mind out can motivate you in a positive direction. After my last blog post, I have received so much encouragement from many friends on the Internet. Like a dead car battery connected to a powerful engine, I was jump started and running again. Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. I am so happy that I have so many friends supporting me. Now this is the 36x36 painting I was talking about in my last post. It is from a photo I took in Italy in May. I have worked on it a few hours today. It is not done yet, but it is at a lovely abstract color stage.