In this series we will be creating a monochrome study in acrylics. This is a great exercise as the materials are basic and easy to get hold of – so you can get used to using brushes and mixing paint in a simple manner.
In this session we will be focusing on the swan’s body – beginning to give it more detail and continue increasing a sense of 3D form.
- We will work our way gradually across the whole form the of the swan.
- I start from left to right and begin with the neck at the edge of the painting.
- Look for where the form is lightest and then add gradually darker tones moving away from that point. You can do this by gradually mixing black into the white.
- Look for things like the wrinkle in the feathers of the neck where it bends.
- Make sure you pay attention to how the internal wrinkle affects the outisde edge of the form.
- Finally – heighten the lightest sections by laying in multiple passes of white.
- This will slowly build up a great glow.
These are the materials you will need:
- Small panel, canvas or piece of acrylic paper to paint on
- Range of small to medium brushes
- White acrylic paint
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Palette
- Easel
- Pot (for water)
