We’re heading to the south of France today. Many of you really liked the piece I posted on New Year’s Day. It was actually a detail of a larger painting I had done in 2010. Jack always said, “Your collectors will tell you what to paint!” so I’m going to do another version of this scene. I printed out the square and then designed my new, horizontal painting around it. The sketch is taped to the mantle beside the easel. You may click on the image to see it larger.
Work begins on the canvas by constructing the arches of the terrace. To make sure the uprights of the columns are absolutely straight a T-Square is balanced on top of my canvas to draw the lines. A brush dipped in a thin oil wash of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin is used.
Next the arches are drawn freehand.
A lantern with candles is placed on the low wall along the curved walkway leading to the terrace.
Geraniums and Sweet Potato Vine fill the large container, Birds of Paradise will reside in the planter behind the lantern.
VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Sketching the Nasturtiums and Giant Birds of Paradise
The low table and chairs snuggle in the space between the Giant Birds of Paradise and foreground flowers.
The wine bottle is first washed in with a thin mix of Sap Green + Liquin. There are going to be glasses with some wine in them so a wash of Alizarin Crimson is applied over the bottom part of the bottle to give the impression it’s half full!
Wine glasses are added, chairs drawn in and the rocks of Cap d’Antibes are sketched in the background. We’re ready to begin painting in our next session!
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Mikki Senkarik 
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