Wednesday, June 17, 2009

How To Improve Your Landscape Paintings Through Glazing!...

By Anna Meenaghan

Should you have encountered problems with your painting, glazing may be the answer. Often a particular section of your work may seem pretty lifeless - for example it may be that it looks flat and the brightness and the glow does not seem to shine through.

Where did the problem originate from. I probably got carried away with the turpentine used as a medium and ,in my eyes, ruined it. We all know this feeling, but it is probably far more likely it was just a bad day for me all round. So it all went wrong.

Most artists would consider this a crucial part of their work. It definitely seems to give your work a lift. The glazing part has so many uses as the majority of people have come to realize over the years.

So you need to bring your painting to life. Do not underestimate the value this process can give to your work. This can provide the ultimate glow you require for landscapes, skies, water, trees, mountains etc. You will find it brings out hidden depths. It will also serve on certain sections or just bring your whole piece together to it's conclusion.

We have all experienced glass and the way the sun filters through it. Well this is what the effects of glazing are like. It can produce a chilled effect or bring added warmth. All it is, in fact, is when your first layer of paint is dry, adding another thin film of color on top.

Always make sure that the color you put on the top is a transparent shade and I would expect that you could encounter trouble with the colors mixing together if you have not ensured your undercoat was not still wet.

So really this is a very important adage to your work. It can combine your whole painting to its eventual conclusion, creating harmony and obviously give added strength. Sometimes I use it to bring about spaces, and even distance.

At first you may find it hard to achieve great results. It is a learning curve through trial and tribulation. Basically what you will find is, what and where do I do this? Only by trying colours will you find out.

So now you have reached the experimental stage. For instance try a warmer colour over a paler shade. Like a strong violet over a pale yellow, or a dark green over yellow. I find it inspirational the strength of colour that can be produced.

There are certain rules to remember when you glaze. An absolute must is to not mix any white paint with the color you wish to glaze with. If you only use oil with it you can go about it by stroking it on gently.

You can also go over your work with a layer of gel, sometimes I resort to this method. I find that I like very bright, strong colors. Red being one of my total favorites, so I find I am quite happy to put one very strong red over another. Just look in your palettes and have a go. You can get terrific effects!

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