This step is where things start to take on real form. In all the previous steps we have been working with rough shapes, and here is where all that work is going to pay off. The biggest mistake that most people fall victim to during this step is, over blending, and disregarding the shapes previously defined in the first pass. Another reason why this step can be a little tricky is that starting here; we will begin to use painting medium (in very small amounts) to aid you in blending. It is not uncommon for frustration to set in during this stage. You must resist this frustration, plug along, and don't give up. Just as you did in the first pass in order to simplify the process, Give yourself small goals. Do not over blend, and remember that this is not the last pass. Think of the second pass as further refinement to the first pass (not a jump to the finish).
Just as your drawing was a map for your under painting (first pass), your under painting is a map for the second pass (this pass). Your under painting should be dry before starting the second pass. To help you better understand the second pass; take a look at the picture on the right. In this example you can clearly see the differences between the passes. The left arm and upper shoulder area are still on the first pass, and the chest and left breast area have moved on to the second pass. The first thing to notice here is that the second pass still retains those rough shapes laid out by the first. The major difference being, those rough shapes are no longer hard edged shapes (like they are on the arm), they flow together. This is a very important thing to remember! If you ever find that while on your second pass you lose these shapes (ie You blended them out of existence), you have gone too far. If this ever does happen (and it will), it's not the end of the world. Get a rag with some turpentine in it, wipe the area down, and start again. Since you're under painting was dry before you started this pass, when you wipe down an area you're under painting will still be there for you. It's a misconception that a great artist never makes mistakes. Instead, a great artist spots the mistakes that he or she has made, and fixes them. Another thing to notice about the second pass is- this is not the last pass. Many people are always trying to rush to the finish, and in the process they turn their back on what could have been a great painting. We could run to the finish of this painting and get a few things right, or we could step through it and get everything right. The latter is always where I choose to work, and if you are looking to be successful I'd advise you to do the same!
Step 3: The Second Pass = We're getting closer, but there is still much to do!
So let's get started. |
