If you're happy with your paintings there's no need to read any further. But if not, maybe this will help. We are always learning. Some artists are happy where they are - and that's fine. Other artists seek ways to learn more. I guess I'm one of the seekers. My present (continuous, it seems) study is composition, structure and discipline.
I am always looking for ways to improve my work, so back to the books and instructional DVDs I go. Here are my latest notes. The information may sound repetitious but the underlying fact is that this information is essential for succcessful painting. You will notice that the key words are discipline, planning, structure, simplification and composition.
First of all, thank you to all the great artists who have written instructional books and made painting DVDs to share with us. Here are a few notes and quotes from my latest studies.
"Good painting requires discipline". Force yourself to paint using a structured, no-nonsense approach.
"A good reference photo, taken for the structure - not the subject - is essential". The photo should have simple shapes, a strong value pattern and strong directional lines leading to a definite focal point. Look at the underlying structure, not the scene itself.
"The focal point is not a thing". It is a directional force between the vertical and the horizontal planes that draws your focus to a certain area.
"Most paintings fail within the first few minutes because of poor planning". Create a simple pencil and paper value sketch. Drawing helps you to see the composition and forces you to simplify the shapes. You can easily move, add or eliminate objects in this stage. This is the time to work out your composition and strengthen the design - now - not after you begin oil painting. You might try a black and white acrylic underpainting to work out your composition. I find these very helpful.
"You should be creating - not copying". Simplify, adjust, move or eliminate anything that is not essential or weakens the composition. A strong, simple composition is essential for success. Don't include something just because it is there. Reduce the clutter.
"A painting is finished when you have removed as much as you can."
"Don't look at the subject - look at it's bones."
These above short notes all focus on improving our paintings with a better understanding of structure, design and composition. Of switching our thinking from just painting a pretty picture to creating a painting with strong "bones". We all want to just paint, but to be successful, we have to pay our dues first by studying. Composition can be a complicated subject. I find it fascinating. There are many good books on the subject. And check out U-Tube. There are some very good artists there. (And some not so good.) Take the time to study. You won't be sorry.
Something to think about. Happy painting,
Celene
My Website - CeleneFarris.com
My eBay Store - Celene Farris, Maine Artist
