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. 

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Alla Seconda: The Game Changer in My Style

This summer I spent some time in Berlin, my new fav getaway city in Europe. There I joined a huge gathering of 1,070 Urban sketchers and loved it! This refreshed my old love for drawing. But also the memory of another experience I had in America. 

Drawing outdoors in Berlin

Years ago I recorded a DVD in Texas about my Alla Seconda Method. It contributed a lot in changing my style in recent years, especially with regard to plein air painting.

The 4 critical steps:

1 - Wander and draw one or more sketches, even before I decide the subject matter I will paint 

 

2 - Pick the most convincing of these monochromatic studies, often the size of a credit card.  

Memory as a tool 

3 - Transfer my drawing on paper or canvas, then paint it. But most importantly, this can happen either immediately or days later, on the spot or in the studio, looking at the subject or even with my back to it.  

 

4 - My reference will only be my sketch and my selective memory. We only remember what really resonate with us, and forget worthless details. A great natural tool! 

Reinventing the scenery

Painting Alla Seconda it's my highway to creativity and abstraction. I let myself be inspired by reality, but use this approach to be taken where colors and design reinvent the scene and make it mine and unique!

Big or small make it a project

Many people think you grab a brush and start painting. I ask my students: do you know any art such as music, dance, theater, writing -- where artists do not draft a project first?  Rework it many times over? Rehearsal for hours before making it final for the audience? 

Move towards originality

If you are an emerging artist, these ideas might encourage you to move towards greater originality. And if you are not an artist but love art, you might use this angle for a better understanding of my painting.

Happy art! -- Francesco

PS. If you want to know why I call it Alla Seconda just ask questions. On this topic alone I prepared a fantastic workshop. Please consider hosting a Painting Workshop Alla Seconda. Cheers!