I am a planner (and not ashamed to admit it). While I may spend time sketching for fun, when beginning a new painting, I always have a plan. While I am a strong advocate for planning (in particular, using thumbnail sketches), my plans are always subject to change. At any point during the process, it is alright to say “this is not working.”
Planning for “The Watcher” began with observation of a snowy owl, videotaping, reference photos and several thumbnail sketches. After selecting the most dramatic sketch, the painting process began with an underpainting to tint the paper, selection of the pastels and laying in the initial dark values.
But something had gone awry. As commonly happens when a face is tilted, the beak had become misaligned. These types of errors can be discovered by frequently stepping back from the painting, viewing the painting in a mirror, or turning the painting upside down. Catching these types of errors early on makes correction easier. Even with the best of plans, adjustments might be needed along the way.
By the time I was laying in the mid-values, I noticed that the painting was starting to lose focus from my initial intention. The drama of the owl’s eyes was being diminished by the amount of area committed to feathers. The original dimensions of the painting were 11×14”.
No problem! Crop it! By changing the dimensions to 9×12”, it brought the focus back to the reason for the painting, those piercing golden eyes!
I may begin with a plan, but I am not bound to that plan. If I have to brush off pastel or even take a pair of scissors to a painting, I will do it to make the painting stronger. Any plan is subject to change.
9 comments
Toni
Excellent article Tracey! This is a great lesson for painting and for life. Let go of that which is not serving us.. or a painting. I’m so new, I think I would have had a hard time deciding to crop away from my work. Yet, when you did, you really brought the drama back with those eyes! Beautiful work!
Tracey Maras
Thanks Sharon! The eyes of this particular snowy owl had so many different expressions. A wealth of inspiration for future paintings!
Sharon
So enjoyed this artist article. Painting is mesmerizing with those eyes!
Наталья Белянская
(Translated)It feels like a great master! My first portrait was also planned, but then the changes came, and I had to completely shift my work, and I liked the hands and face of my first female oil portrait so much. An experienced artist told me that if I redid my work on the same canvas, my level would be much higher. And I did redo it! We must stick to the plan!
(Original)Чувствуется большой мастер! Мой первый портрет тоже был запланирован, но потом пошли изменения, и мне пришлось свою работу полностью смещать, а мне так понравились кисти рук и лицо моего первого женского портрета маслом. Опытный художник сказал мне, что, если я сама на этом же холсте переделаю же свою работу, то мой уровень гораздо станет выше. И я таки переделала! Надо придерживаться плана!
Tracey Maras
Thank you! It is an act of balance. Having a plan and knowing when it is time to step away from the plan.
Barbara Lennon
What a stunning picture! Those beautiful eyes are magnetic. I love the picture.
Tracey Maras
Thank you Barbara! Some artists prefer to complete the eyes first. I prefer to same them to the end. It’s the reward….like dessert.
Rosemary
Iithink this picture is superb . It really has the character of the bird. Love it!
Tracey Maras
Thank you Rosemary! Taking the time to research and create preliminary sketches guides the way to creating the character and telling the story.