Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Studio Dogs and What's on the Easel

My Constant Studio Companions

I have several images in the works,
most started before Christmas and put on hold
with the busy-ness of the holidays.
~ I will share them as they progress ~

I've also been inspired by the beauty of Downton Abbey.
Awe-struck by the gorgeous sets and lighting,
many of the scenes look like masterpiece paintings.
So I think it's fitting to come from
Masterpiece Theater!

My newest painting features Lady Mary
and I am painting in the 'Grisaille' technique,
in which an underpainting is done in shades of gray.
When this is dry, thin color glazes are applied
one over the other, drying between each layer of color.
Actually, this painting is going to be more about
light and shadow than an actual portrait.

The image above on my easel (not Lady Mary) is further along
than in the photo now.  It too, is along the lines of the
Grisaille technique, as I paint in the shadows first.
It is more time-consuming and I am about to
go with a more Alla Prima technique
and get some thicker paint applied.
I don't have the patience required for the more drawn-out glazing process,
at least not on such a large painting.  Lady Mary will be 11x14.

The weather is creating the desire to stay in
and paint.... when the sun comes and blue skies,
bringing warmth and beauty,
I get rather distracted.


5 comments:

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Simply beautiful...love the painting x

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh my goodness, I am here....I just got home (brrrr it is SO COLD OUT THERE!) and here you are. OK, I love this technique for its gray undertones, but WAIT UNTIL YOU CAPTURE LADY MARY! And the dress, THE DRESS! What fabulous dress will you put her in dearest?

Violet, your studio, what glory. The texture of the dogs' fur, the light, EVERYTHING makes me so happy right now!

Thank you for coming by to visit again...love you! Anita

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Be still my heart! I adore your studio, if mine looked like this I would never come out.
Your companions are as mine... They always need to be close.

I love this technique, I cannot wait to see the end result.
Thank you so much for visiting and your sweet note!
blessing dear friend
Penny
Hi Anita!

Createology said...

And a very lovely room to spend time painting. Every nuance is pure beauty. Blissful...

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I just had to come by once more before heading out. My goodness, the magic that has been produced in this studio...