Wouldn't you know it. I got the 2 images above backwards, and I can't figure out how to reverse them. Oh well, onwards! The good thing is that in the 2nd image you can get an idea on how I paint. When I first starting using Corel Painter, Daniel told me to treat it just like i was doing a traditional painting. So when painting in oils, I lay in all my colors, side by side, and then I go back and blend them as in the top illustration.
The biggest cool thing about Painter is that you have all the mediums at your disposal and you can mix them. For instance I can use colored pencils over oils. I can also erase the painted area if I am not pleased with it. I can mix watercolor and oils, ect. You can not do most of these things traditional. But the point I am trying to make is that George recently pointed out a "speed painting" that a talented artist did for Utube. I'm not sure what program he was using, but it wasn't Painter. With Painter you can paint the way you always have.
Okay, creating air. Daniel taught me that Mother Nature is the best teacher to an artist. Everything you need to know is in Nature. Take a tree for instance. If you sit down and just study it, shape, values and the edges you will notice that on the edges, there really is no edge. An the further you are away from the tree, the edges fade even more. This is because of air. Air acts as a natural diffuser. To create this effect all you need to do is smooth out the edges that you drew or painted. With pencil you can use your finger or a stub. With oils, just take a clean brush and go over the edges. In the top illustration, you can see where I have done this. Remember, the further the object is , the more air.
When you create air around a object, it anchors the object into the painting, like it belongs there. When you don't create air, you just have a bunch of objects placed on a page, and it takes away from the realism of the piece.
I remember when the Big D told me to start doing this, I didn't realise what he meant until I studied his works. I didn't really get it to start with and it took me a few paintings before I got the hang of it. So, when your working, just keep the air thing on your mind. If it gives you trouble, email me the pic you are working on, and I will show you in more detail.
I don't know about where you folks are, but it's snowing here. The weather person says where going to get about 6 inches. I do love to watch it snow, but I'm ready for Spring!
On another note, tonight North Carolina plays Michigan ST. for the national championship. What are the odds? I'm not sure who to pull for. I mean NC was my home for many, many moons, but now I live in Michigan. I guess I will pull for both and may the best team.
I will be posting another blog, probably tomorrow showing you the rough idea I have for the "Darc Karnival" cover. I'm really loving this one too. Till then, peace out!!!
3 comments:
nick this is very interesting.i think i understand it and will try to apply it to my next work.one question-when you talk about the edges and creating air around them i assume its just the outer edges of the subject and not the detail work of the subject ,rite ?
my latest piece i did a 180 version of creating air. i used a method that another gifted artist uses and outlined my pencil work with a fine tip micron pen. i like the out come,but it gives it more of a comic feeling.if i used your method i could of created more depth to the piece as it has a deep back ground.
there's always the next drawing !
thanks for the informative blog.
Hey George,
The edges are the main thing, but remember if a body is turned sideways, the back side would be more diffused. It's all about distance and how your eye perceives it.
I can't wait to see the new piece.
as soon as i get an idea it will be on paper.i really want to try this.
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