Lesson Plan

 

Main principles: 

A centre of interest (COI) must be identified and emphasised.

W/W:  The COI becomes the “window” – this forms about 15% of the painting, and is the area of greatest interest.  The rest is the “wall”, with less detail or interest.

CVB: connect, vary and balance all elements and parts.

 

Step 1: From photo to painting reference.

Find a COI that “calls to you”; situate it at a ”sweet spot” on the paper.

Adjust reference to achieve this (cropping; computer manipulation).

 

Step 2:  From the painting reference to drawing.

Aim for a simple, continuous line, connecting all elements.  Keep the pencil or marker on the paper.

Think “lines”, not named “objects”.  Restrict to outlines, little internal detail.

Start in the window, but connect quickly with wall, and with sides of picture.

Avoid erasing, crossing equal shapes, symmetry, unvarying repetition.

 

Step 3:  From drawing to painting:

3A.  Phase 1: Value building:

Aim is to build up value masses with simple, broad strokes, applied then left alone.  Detail minimised, and mainly in window. 

CVB throughout.

Use transparent paints for this phase.

      3B.  Phase 2:  finishing:

Check and edit whole picture.

Add accents, decoration, often with opaque paint.

Remove wall elements that interfere with overall “story”.