Watch the prep video to see the sketches and sorting of ideas.
During the demo I tried to stay true to the feeling of driving in the countryside of Tuscany with the many layers I saw. All painting moves should go back to this main idea. See assignment tab for further ideas on design and assessment of art as it progresses.
WATERCOLOR NOTES: Work light to dark for best results. Make sure the near darks are strong enough in value. Put a wash of Cobalt on areas in the back (if needed) to glaze elements to blue - this will 'push back' the far picture plane. Tube greens such as Hooker's Green or Thalo should be avoided as they will be too strong in the mid and far planes.
Make a plan for unity of concept but variety of items.
Unity / Variety
- Ombre or fade... right / left or top / bottom, also light / dark and or color shift
- Shape variety... have up to 5 main shapes, and avoid equal distribution
- Light or dark focus (pick one)... example: figure is light, therefore background is dark
- Unequal ratios of busy area and areas of rest or calm
- And more... keep going with ideas
This idea can also be presented as "a lot to a little" ... the more lot-to-a-little you have in your art the better it will be. Add it up, in my rough sketches in the prep video, I can give this list:
- A lot of organic shapes, little man-made
- A lot of distance, little close-up
- A lot of clouds, little blue sky (photo shows 50/50)
- A lot of green fields, little brown
- A lot of peaceful tranquility, little agitation
- A lot of mid-tone, little bits of dark and light