Have you ever gone to a LIVE Theatre Production?
It's so amazing how they create a setting with just a few scraps of material and a bit of lighting. Suddenly you are THERE. . . .
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| CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - $650 Matted |
I paint and draw nature but I don't really draw landscapes. I zoom in and focus on subjects: birds, animals, rocks, ferns, the parts of nature that catch my eye. The problem is, I don't always pay attention to what is around my subject. My reference material contains only my subject.
So when I go to design my picture, I don't have a good solid idea of what to put in the background.
Do you have trouble with that?
I have been putting a lot of thought into this and here's what I have learned:
There are 4 Ways to Setup the Background in Your Painting
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| A DISTINGUISHED CANADIAN - $650 |
*** There is further discussion and examples of the different types of backgrounds on my Video Production for this Post. See YouTube: Playing with Backgrounds - What Works for You?
1. No Background: This may seem strange but actually I found I kind of like it. With just a hint of the setting the story is there. In my mind, there is no question that my Canada Goose is standing in the water. What more do you need to know?
2. Contrast: Something totally unrelated! Here my subject was the cluster of flowers. I drew a very Geometric design and then added my flowers. I liked it. Why does it work, was my next question. I think it is the Contrast that is happening. There is so much for the eye to see, eye candy. What do you think makes it interesting? or I guess I could ask, Do you find it interesting? It is Definitely telling a different type of story then my usual work.
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| CASCADING - $700 |
3. Realistic with Background Suggested: This can take several forms. Cascading, my painting of the ferns has a very realistic feel to it but the further away from the focus point, the more the surrounding foliage becomes more suggestive in nature. The opening picture Closed for the Season, also has a suggested background. The information is there but blurred leaving much to the viewers imagination.
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| ROBIN: SATISFIED - $160 |
4. Abstract or Fantasy: In this setting my Robin has an environment but it is a fantasy world. This environment can tell whatever kind of story you wish. Actually it is kind of freeing, your design can go into so many different directions. I had a lot of fun with this and made of series of 3 Robins, you can see them Here.
I am not sure if I have settled the Background Issue or opened up a bigger issues. When next you have a subject to paint, you must first decide "What type of Story you want to tell". The background material you choose will send you into many different directions.
*** There is further discussion and examples of the different types of backgrounds on my Video Production for this Post. See YouTube: Playing with Backgrounds - What Works for You?
Move your work to NEW LEVELS?
1. Private Drawing Lesson: (3 Sessions 2.5 hr each $250) North Langley, BC (Walnut Grove)
Do you want your animals to breath, your flowers to sparkle or your people to walk? Whatever subject your like to paint or draw I can build a drawing program for you. Private Lessons allow you to focus on the skills you wish to develop. Wendy is a experienced teacher, providing a calm, relaxing experience as you learn how to use the principles of drawing. Beginner to Advanced are welcome. Special rates for younger students. Contact Wendy for More info
2. Online: Teaching, Mentoring or Critiquing Your Work - Don't live in the Fraser Valley, I would be happy to tailor a program just for you online. Drawing and Painting Lessons, Mentoring you on your Art Journey or Critiquing Your Work with an Eye to Move It Forward. Drawing & Painting Lessons: 2-30 sessions $75. Mentoring or Critiquing 30 minutes sessions $25. Flexible schedule and sessions can be longer or shorter depending on your goals.
3. Available at Art by Wendy's Studio
Original work, Commissions, Prints and Cards of her Work,
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Have a great Artful Day,
Wendy
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