I am project surfing to be sure. I am doing a bit of this, some of that, and enjoying myself. As I have said previously, I don’t have a lot of experience with acrylic paint. No problem there, it just leaves the playing field open, allowing me the freedom to try new things. I am looking forward to replenishing some of my supplies, which will give me a chance to check out mediums. Fun.
At the moment, I am at a cross road. This painting of a Green Heron is a nice start. I have placed my lights and darks, the details are missing, the bird is overshadowing the background. Whenever I come to a crossroad, no matter the media I am using, it is time to take a photograph. This is the ultimate way to compare and think about the image. It allows me to look at the work as if I am seeing a thumbnail sketch. Comparing the snapshot to the painting helps illuminate value differences, shows drawn inaccuracy, it is just helpful.
What caught my eye when comparing the photographic inspiration to my painting is the value difference between the bird and the greens it flies among. My painting appears much more stark, with the bird being a heavy force, on a light ground. I am not so much interested in the color green, as I am wanting to merge the background with the bird in my painted rendition. I will start by working with the lower right corner of my painting. I envision some decorative elements placed there.
This will give me time to figure out how and what detail will help the Green Heron really pop and will help place those wonky bird feet!
Melanie Testa 