The work on our paintings is divided into six phases.
The first phase is the preparation of a multi-layered acrylic primer. The substrate can be either smoothly sanded or textured. The texture is determined by the aesthetics and the idea behind the painting.
In the second step, the most important details of the sketch are roughly transferred in linear form using a graphite pencil.
The third phase is the grisaille. In a monochrome (single colour) application of paint, light and shadow are used to create a three-dimensional effect of the finely crafted details. The tools I use in this step are an airbrush and brushes. However, an airbrush is not essential.
In the fourth phase, warm and cool tones are used.
In phase five, everything is summarised and the most important elements of our original concept are highlighted, followed by a final review. This is one of the most important steps in the process!
Finally, the painting is coated with varnish, which protects it from accidental damage but also fulfils aesthetic purposes.
I recommend covering light-coloured paintings with matt varnish and dark-coloured paintings with silky gloss varnish. To achieve a special depth of dark tones, gloss varnish can be used.
I will demonstrate the individual steps to you every day and help you to implement them in your own painting.
Steps:
Monday: Work on a sketch on paper. Priming and preparation of the canvas surface. Tuesday: Transferring the sketch to the canvas. Grisaille (rough elaboration of shadows and light) Wednesday: Grisaille (rough elaboration of shadows and light with fine detailing) Thursday: Completion of work on the grisaille
Friday: Colour (cold-warm contrast) / precise elaboration of details. Saturday: Overall direction of the painting.
Sunday: Final varnish, discussion and questions