How to design your artwork

Do you make prep drawings of your painting? ~

In all the arts, from dance to cinema, from music to literature, a work is planned, rehearsals are carried out and parts are rewritten before performing it. But many amateur painters are surprised that even in painting it is necessary to do all of this. However, I can't remember of a great master in history - from Leonardo to Hopper - who did not invest in studies and preparatory sketches.

A thought before picking up the brush

This photo it's a good example of the process of composing and designing a painting, regardless of the media we're going to use. Here we see the studies of my student Daniel, which in this case will be developed into a watercolor artwork.

Some steps before making a watercolor (Daniel)

Draw to get into know your subject

At first glance a photograph or life scene may look simple. But it is only by drawing it (therefore observing it in detail) that we realize its complexity. We must learn to simplify it to make it manageable according to our project.

The importance of a tonal scale

We translate the initial photo into a tonal drawing of a credit card size, at most a postcard. Here we are working on a toned paper that corresponds to value #2 in the five-value scale I use and suggest. The value #1 (white) is applied with a dense opaque watercolor titanium white.

These studies give us, among other benefits, these opportunities:

• simplify the subject and crop the framing and format
• consider more design options, for example varying some tones
• establish a focal element (such as the bell tower)

In version A (red dot) the mid field is cleaned of chiaroscuro details. Both the strip of land on the horizon and the sky become lighter (tone  #1). Clouds are grouped up except for a few accents, which will become blue in the painting.

The reference image of our painting

In version B on the right, the light of the clouds is reduced to spots and has a V-shaped direction. The ground on the horizon becomes darker again as in the original picture.

The monochrome preview in watercolor

The two pencil sketches are repainted in a monochromatic watercolor on cotton paper. Black is obtained by mixing complementary colors and dosing the dilution in five degrees. This phase brings us closer to the pictorial stage. Here we consolidate the lighting and atmosphere that we want to maintain in the final color version. Please note that in the watercolor draft A the ground below the skyline is darker than in the sketch. Daniel got 'distracted' by the photo rather than following the instructions implied in his pencil drawing.

 

Another example of value study before painting (Stefano)

The distribution of weights and shapes

The two first steps are very important to get familiar with the subject, both visually (light/dark) and as an anticipation of the type of brushstrokes to use, layering, dampness of the paper and for the edges and effects we desire. The compositional part definitely includes many other aspects, for example the distribution of forms and their weights in the space. Not to mention the color palette and harmony choices. But let's not go into more detail here.

These topics need a longer course to be covered. But you can comment and ask questions here or by email. In the next episode we will see how Daniel resolved his final painting.

Happy Art Life! - Francesco

PS. I you want to learn more about this, ask for a free 20 mins Zoom individual call at workshops@francescofontana.com We'll figure how to plan a set of mentorship sessions. 

Join my (News) Artist Letters!

Visit my Art Store
Follow me on Instagram
Share and have a friend subscribed
Send Francesco an email

My 9 Ways to Overcome Creative Crisis

Stuck in a creative slump? Fear not!

Late last year I've been not so willing to paint new projects. Kinda of waiting for fresh ideas. That feeling of being stuck in a creative slump as an artist, can be frustrating and disheartening. If you're there, fear not!  I know the proven measures I've used to go through this transitions. Not a drama, chances are we simply have exhausted the potential of our previous path. 

Be confident you'll find the next direction

Stagnation is a natural part of the creative life. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow. It's how we respond to setbacks that truly defines our artist journey. You'll find the road to the next station!

Inspiration is found in the action

Tree in Basilicata ~ Watercolor by Francesco Fontana

Inspiration meant as magic is overrated. Writer Alberto Moravia -- who lived in typewriter times, said: inspiration is one page after the other thrown in the trash bin! To me inspiration is nothing but activating new connections from /to what we already know. 

Small goals and little routines

Start by setting small, achievable goals for yourself. Whether it's completing a painting within a certain time frame (I often set the timer) or experimenting with a specific technique, having a clear objective can give you a sense of purpose.

Search in you not on the net

Museums and art galleries are a great way to find ideas that resonate to me. The venue itself is often a source of meditation and self search. Drawing to study great masters is a great experience. Browsing art online is to do with caution, I do 15 min day tops: it's become overwhelming and a distraction from hearing my inner voice. Contemporary art galleries might also  trigger creative thoughts.

Let me recap and add a few pointers

1. Display on a wall old and recent paintings and find what they have in common (a color, a subject, a mood,.. ) (Jerry Saltz's totem concept)
   
2. Play Mode. Set a game with one or two simple rules (see my article) (size, medium, time)
3. Remake some of those you like in a different media. If anything you'll learn more about the peculiarities of your typical media.
4. Join a group and ask for feedback. They see what you don't see!
5. Travel, meet people, go to not art museums (aviation, design, history..).  
6. Recall what you loved to draw/paint at the very beginning. The real you may be there
7. Draw, scribble with no purpose, but a giving time and slot every day
8. Paint unfamiliar subjects, those you think you're not good at. Surprise!
9. Use the internet as a newspaper, not as an art book. Real art is in real life. 
   

Seek support from fellow artists

One of the best ways to overcome a creative slump is to connect with other artists who understand what you're going through. Join local art groups or online communities where you can share your struggles, seek advice, and receive constructive feedback. 

Hope this helps. It's only a small part of the practice I do. Talk to me and ask questions, that will pull out more inspiration. 

Join (News) Artist Letters! Visit my Art Store
Follow me on Instagram
Share and have a friend subscribe
Send Francesco an email