Artist Tips
For practical tips and techniques to improve your artwork click on the following tips:
- How can I introduce textures into my watercolors?
- How do you paint hair?
- Painting a Self Portrait?
- Planning your Art for Visual Impact
- The Power of Color
- Ice Crystal Painting
Hair
How do you paint hair?
When seeking to paint subjects such as hair, animal fur or the leaves on a tree it is easy to become overly focused on their complexity. It is helpful to remember that the most descriptive part of an object is the edge of the shape. Instead of starting with individual hairs or leaves, start with a contour drawing making sure the outer edges have detail and direction. Showing the direction hair grows on fur, for example. Often beginners neglect making these lines descriptive.
Once the edges of the shape are defined the foundation is laid so that your drawing or painting will "read." The next step is to "squint" so that you see shapes (light and dark) inside the subject instead of complex details. By painting these shapes next, paying special attention to their edges you will create realistic work. Then and only then should you put in the detail.
Happy Painting - Lee Baughman