Let's get ready to paint

I am ready ! How about you? First you have to figure out what you want to paint. I get my material from magazines, greeting cards, anywhere I can find pictures. I have a projector and always felt like that is cheating, but my instructor (when I took lessons) told me it was a time saver. Boy is it ever! I can draw but to do it right takes time. I have used multiple cards to make one painting. Just look till you find something that speaks to you. Be sure that if the picture you are using is not copywrite protected. You will need to change it up a great deal especially if you are planning to sell it. Don't want to get caught up in a lawsuit. Also even as you are painting, analyze shading, hi lites, everything. Another hint he gave me was 'never copy another painting exactly". The very first painting I did was a prime example. It had shadows headed in all directions. Many light sources but only one sun. Hmmmmmm--

Once you get your subject together, make sure you have all of the supplies you need. Paint, pallet, brushes, turp, jar for the turp, brush cleaner and lint free paper towels like Viva or the blue shop type sold in automotive depts. I also use a multi bulb lamp. One bulb is a regular light bulb and the other is an iridescent bulb. This will give you a more natural light and your painting will be more true in color.

 Start with the furthest thing away from you. Like the sky, background, then paint forward from that. Watch for halos in your work. That is where you have an area that is free of design but has paint on it and it looks like a halo, usually created when you paint the main subject first and have to paint the background around it. Remember your light source and think about where it will hit the leaves on the trees, or the rocks, or animals and people. Get the main part of the painting complete then put in your final hi lites and shading. Step back and look many times thru the process and make sure it is headed in the direction you want it to go. When it is complete in your eyes..... SIGN IT!!! Frame and hang on the wall or in a gallery for sale!! ABOVE ALL ELSE ......ENJOY!!!!