VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Blocking in the Bougainvillea
The arms of the Bougainvillea dip down into the sky. The long, thin vines are drawn with a fine liner brush into the wet paint of the sky.
Mixtures of Ptahlo Blue + a little Ultramarine Blue + Lemon Yellow are used for the broad leaves of the Giant Bird of Paradise. The paint is applied with the flat edge of my large, #14 Bright (square) brush. If you would like to learn more about the brushes I prefer to use CLICK HERE.
The entire surface of the upper terrace is painted, establishing the light and shadow patterns on the tile. Mixes of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Orange + a touch of Pthalo Blue + White are used. Notice how the back edge is made bluer, with a mix of Ultramarine Blue + White, so it will recede. I’ve also cooled the farthest portion of the front shadow to make it drop back. This follows a simple rule that helps to give the feeling of depth in a painting, Cool Colors Go Back, Warm Colors Come Forward. Next the legs of the chairs and table are drawn over the wet floor.
I bring out the fine liner brush again to pull the perspective lines into the wet paint of the tile floor. This has to be done freehand, bracing against the mahl stick would limit the movement of my arm. I wouldn’t be able to make the straight lines or the curved ones smooth.
Next the horizontal lines separating the tiles are drawn.
Planter walls, topped with tiles, are added. The last step today is to make the tall container by the columns. I’ve mixed White + a bit of Cadmium Red Light into the floor colors to achieve the lighter Terra Cotta. I appreciate you following my blog!
AND DON’T FORGET, I’ll be giving a painting demonstration at Pitzer’s Fine Art Gallery in Wimberley, Texas on Saturday from 4 to 7 PM. Hope you can come! CLICK HERE for more information. HUGS,
Mikki Senkarik 
January 23, 2018 at 10:57 AM |
Mikki, regarding the perspective lines, do you have a vanishing point or you make a rough estimate and just draw your lines? Thanks in advance!
January 23, 2018 at 4:43 PM |
Hi Zoe,
When I first began doing the tile floors, probably 20 years ago, I would establish vanishing points to draw the perspective lines. Now I’ve done so many I just wing it. I’m certain there are times if you drew the lines out, they may not be exact but they’ll be pretty close. I study the paintings in a mirror and can tell when the perspective lines aren’t quite right. This is a technique Jack learned about from studying Leonardo da Vinci’s notes. Looking in the mirror switches the image from the inventive to the analytical side of your brain. I have a large mirror set up behind me in the studio so I can just turn and study my painting at any point. I appreciate your question, it’s a good one. HAPPY PAINTING, Mikki
January 25, 2018 at 12:12 AM
Thank you for your prompt reply! I have learnt so many useful things by following your blog. My painting has started getting better and I am more motivated!
February 9, 2018 at 12:05 PM |
Hello, is amazing your work. I don´t speak english well.
but i see your paint and is beautiful
I like the bouganbillia are any my favorites flowers.
Congratulations for your talent