Lesson Plan

 

Main principles: 

A centre of interest must be identified and emphasised.

W/W:  Place the interest in the “window” – this forms about 15% to 20% 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.

 

Phase 1: From image to painting reference.

Find an interest that “calls to you”; situate the window at a ”sweet spot” on the paper; decide its size.

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

Assess and compose using the CVB.  C: all are connected. V: no two are the same. B: window/wall and spatial balances.

 

Phase 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” or “shapes”, 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.

 

Phase 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 mainly transparent paints for this phase.  Can use opaque thinly.

      3B.  Phase 2:  Finishing:

Check and edit whole picture.

Add accents, decoration, often with opaque paint or gouache.

Remove wall elements that interfere with overall “story”.