Friday, March 20, 2015

What Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber and White Can Do

detail of WIP


My friend and amazing artist Julie Ford Oliver once told me about the artist Carolyn Plochmann and the beautiful book A Charmed Vision.  I bought the book as soon as Julie told me about it and I have looked at it often, it is one of my favorite art books.  There is a wonderful black and white image in the book called Mother and Child and it inspired me to do a painting with minimal color and interesting lines and strokes.  This has been a great exercise for me because I would like to improve how I paint shading and light, plus I am intrigued about how certain lines and squiggles can add so much to a painting.

The photos of the feet and hands are just details of the 9 x 12 inch piece.  My instructor in the art class that I am taking suggested three colors...a blue, a brown and white and I chose ultramarine blue, raw umber and titanium white.  This morning, as I was working on it, I accidentally used prussian blue and now their faces have a very green hue...oops.  I can fix it!


detail of WIP
         
First layers of 9 x 12

Above is the entire composition after beginning it in art class.  It is much further along now.

Below can you see the source of inspiration?  Is that not the sweetest child?  She looks as if she did not want to take a picture. And mom's hat!...(or is it grandma?).  As I look at this wonderful old photo, I am thinking at some point I would like to paint all the people in it.

the inspiration 
Happy weekend everyone.
♥ Lisa
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11 comments:

  1. Carol RigbyMarch 20, 2015 at 9:33 AM

    I love this limited palette. I have been working on a something for a challenge over at Paper Artsy and wanted to do something in black and white and found that it is harder to create something of interest with a limited palette. That, too, is a WIP That photo is wonderful I think the girl in the beret is so cute. I look forward to seeing the finished piece and maybe another which includes all of them.

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  2. leeMarch 20, 2015 at 12:00 PM

    I also love the limited palette. I think doing all of them would be very interesting and visually appealing in the picture. Love what you have so far

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  3. Tammie LeeMarch 20, 2015 at 12:38 PM

    using a small palette is inspiring to me
    love what you did with
    and love that this photo touched you
    and might inspire another painting
    so enjoyed your painting

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  4. wandamarie.blogspot.comMarch 20, 2015 at 3:22 PM

    YUMMY START! XO

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  5. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMarch 20, 2015 at 7:37 PM

    I cant wait to see this finished because you are off to a wonderful start. Love the close-up.
    I know the painting you are referring to and was excited to see your unique voice shining through in such a sensitive way.

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  6. Paper rainbowMarch 21, 2015 at 1:46 AM

    It is very difficult to paint using a limited palette. In the other hand it is a great way to get better at looking at tonal quality. I really am intrigued by your subject photo.I am sure all the characters have stories to tell. Also you paint hands beautifully a lot of people seem to shy away from them..because they are hard ,but in a few brushstrokes you create something which looks alive and moveable....not easy Lisa!

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  7. Autumn LeavesMarch 21, 2015 at 5:07 AM

    How fabulous! I do so love old photos and they make amazing paintings, as you can see in this piece you are doing. Wonderful work, Lisa!

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  8. Judy ShreveMarch 21, 2015 at 10:57 AM

    What a great idea to limit your palette! This WIP is wonderful - can't wait to see it finished. Happy Spring!

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  9. JaneMarch 21, 2015 at 5:05 PM

    I love this vintage photo, I get very inspired by old black/white shots too, your WIP is great, love your very personal touch.

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  10. Debbie NolanMarch 22, 2015 at 6:29 AM

    Dear Lisa - You make a limited palette sing friend. Love what you did with the vintage photo reference. Those hats made me smile as well. Sorry I haven't been to visit for a while. Going to catch up on some of your older posts. I always love seeing what you are creating. Have a happy day!

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  11. Meera RaoMarch 30, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    I like your all your new work! --so much texture! that vintage picture is such an inspiration :)

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