How a painting comes together
It all starts with an experience. This piece was started by watching a Nuthatch visiting our garden bird feeders. The bird was so animated, always jittery and on the lookout for trouble. It never stayed in the same place for long.
The next thing to do was to try and get a photograph in a pose that typified this behaviour. I spent a long time watching and waiting to get this opportunity. It did, finally , arrive however and I was able to get the ball rolling.
The painting: 13 September 2006
To start with, I simply map in the colour and tones, in order to ensure that the whole composition is working.
To start with, I simply map in the colour and tones, in order to ensure that the whole composition is working.
Layout: 7 September 2006
Once I've got to know the image, I then decide on the layout. As you may be able to see, I play around with the image composition until I come up with one I am happy with. On the left, you can see the final one but if you click on the image you can see a couple of drafts, in total I did four or five.
Once I've got to know the image, I then decide on the layout. As you may be able to see, I play around with the image composition until I come up with one I am happy with. On the left, you can see the final one but if you click on the image you can see a couple of drafts, in total I did four or five.
The preliminary sketch: 31 August 2006
I do a fairly detailed initial sketch as I'm really getting to know the image and things like lighting and detail are resolved. Another worry here are the toes as the level of detail is very limited. I will have to do additional research to ensure that I get it right. As you can see, I've not tackled it yet! Click on the image to see a lager image.
I do a fairly detailed initial sketch as I'm really getting to know the image and things like lighting and detail are resolved. Another worry here are the toes as the level of detail is very limited. I will have to do additional research to ensure that I get it right. As you can see, I've not tackled it yet! Click on the image to see a lager image.
The photo: 30 August 2006
This is the final image that I decided to use. Generally I'm happy, it shows the jitteriness I was after, that readiness to disappear, at any moment. The only issue with the image is that it has a very flat light, so I'll need to address this issue in the sketches to come.
This is the final image that I decided to use. Generally I'm happy, it shows the jitteriness I was after, that readiness to disappear, at any moment. The only issue with the image is that it has a very flat light, so I'll need to address this issue in the sketches to come.