We're in Provence Today!

But before we get to the easel I just want to let you know about Jack’s most recent article for Fine Art Studio Online. CLICK HERE to read Mendacity.

A rough pencil sketch is made of my idea. Since this is not for a commission, or collaboration as we like to call them, I don’t take the time to ink it in. To view the sketch larger just click on the image.

The basic elements are drawn up on the blank canvas with a thin oil wash made of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + a liberal amount of Liquin. An uneven wash is applied over the window glass areas, this will give the impression of the interior of the building when we are finished with the doors.

The golden rock walls are painted with mixes made of varying combinations of Cadmium Orange + a tiny bit of Pthalo Blue + White. MUD is added to the mixtures for the shadows. Ultramarine Blue + White is dragged into the shadows under the vines to help cool them.

I decided to change the Wisteria in my original pencil sketch to Fragrant Spanish Jasmine to drape over the door. Now that the dark, washed in area is completely dry I paint the lacy curtains. The mix of White + a little Ultramarine Blue + a touch of Cadmium Orange is lightly dragged over the dark background. I let the texture of the canvas show, giving the feel of the filmy window coverings.

The red doors are then painted. You can see how the initial, uneven wash of dark gives the feeling of something inside the open door. Now for the floor. In my usual manner I cover the entire surface, establishing the light and shadow pattern. The steps are old bricks, the upright side is made darker while the flat surface is lighter because it is illuminated from above.

The grout lines between the bricks are indicated using some of the shadow color left over from the white Spanish Jasmine. They are made bluer on the most distant step and warmer as the steps come closer to help give depth.

Curved perspective lines act to bring the viewer’s eye to the open door. The horizontal lines separating the pavers are drawn, the edges of the tiles are highlighted where the sunlight catches them and the floor is complete. Thank you for visiting today. Hope you will come back again soon. Hugs, Mikki Senkarik

Website: www.senkark.com