Working from several reference photographs I decide to paint a dry sclerophyll forest scene. I want to create a painting that captures the strength and beauty of tall gums and the atmosphere of a forest on a misty morning with the sunlight illuminating the trees.
The tree in this painting is growing in the open, with a well-formed canopy. It is rather symmetrical (not unlike a light bulb). Being placed to the left of centre it is balanced by the much smaller and distant tree to the right and a shrub to the left.
I trace the drawing lightly on to my watercolour paper. Tracing eliminates erasing any pencil lines on the watercolour paper, which can damage the paper’s surface.
When I begin a painting, I seek to arrange the composition as best I can. Drawing and placement of the elements is important at this stage.
After reviewing the photographic reference, I choose the ones I feel best represent the model and the pose. I put all other reference material away and out of sight to concentrate only on the chosen photos.
For the rainbow background, I lightly sponged on paint allowing the white of the canvas to show through to suggest a dappled light effect.
STEP ONE
Take photos of your preferred fish, and then prime your canvas. Sketch your fish.
I draw the basic outline of trees and tree roots. I always draw directly with ink pen on paper. Usually, I prefer Artline pens (0.1 to 0.8), or Rotring pens.
With an old brush – a badly looked after round bristle is my favourite – draw in the main areas of the scene.