Mische Steps in the creation of "Moondancer"   



Digital Sketch

 
Ink on Panel
16 x 20" Ampersand Gessoboard

I did a pencil sketch to size, traced it with a fine marker, used graphite paper to transfer that drawing to the panel, and went over the lines with a rapidograph ink pen.


(detail)
A dense imprimateur of indigo was applied over the ink drawing. Oil paint mixed with Talens Quick Dry medium, applied quickly and carefully. It is brushed on in sections, with a soft bristled, flat brush. The paint is pounced to create an even tone and texture over the entire panel. It is allowed to dry for 2 days.


Plaka is being used to paint the highest lights first, then I go back with more detail with the lesser lights. Care is taken to preserve contrast. Small strokes are used along with some washes, to create different texture and light effects.

 
Cerulean Blue Glaze

 
Highlights are redefined with Plaka

 
Local colors are added with various glazes. This is underpainting and some colors are intentionally bright, knowing they will be modified in subsequent glazing and painting.


Plaka lights and modeling is added one more time over the local glazes, just for refinement and the very highest lights.

 
Finished painting. All areas were refined.
Some more glazes were added (sky, stalagtites, crystals, etc).
Lots of attention paid to water, reflections, body, butterflies, bats, plants, hair.

 
Detail of the finished painting.

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