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Happy Leap Day!

As usual, I have several works-in-progress in my studio; and even more now after beginning several negative painting pieces during last week's workshops. I love painting Cardinals, so after starting this piece in Saturday's Negative Painting/Positive Results class, I couldn't wait to get back to work on it!

Progression Image 1

In my Negative/Positive workshop, students who have taken my two-day Negative Painting, Simplified workshop learn to incorporate both positive and negative shapes into one painting. Can you count the layers in the above demonstration piece?

The day's lesson began with a planned underpainting, which was allowed to dry thoroughly before the positive image (the birds and the green leaves) was transferred onto the paper. The following step was to paint those positive shapes (layer 1). Once the subject was established, it was time to switch gears. To prepare for the first layer of negative painting, I played with leaf shapes and arranged them in what I thought was an interesting manner, tucking each new shape under an existing positive shape. These shapes were then drawn in and painted around. Can you identify the five lightest leaf shapes plus a couple connecting branches that make up layer 2? Moving on to the next step, I added more leaves and more branches (layer 3). Therefore, the above image consists of three layers (not counting the underpainting).

When I studied my progress the next day, I decided the leaf shapes were a bit too uniform, so I designed the next layer of shapes to break up the monotony. If you look closely at Progression Image 1 above, you can see the pencil lines drawn in to prepare for the next layer. In Progression Image 2, below, those shapes have been painted around, completing layer 4.

Progression Image 2

It's important that the painting be bone-dry between layers. I spend considerable time planning each layer in order to create movement and direction, hopefully resulting in a pleasing composition. (Again, look closely at the image above to see the next layer I've drawn in.) 

Progression Image 3

As you can see in Progression Image 3 (layer 5), each layer adds new shapes, depth, color and increased value. I knew the painting was nearing completion, so I was very deliberate about the final touches.

The final two layers (bringing the total to seven) brought in a few more shapes and details in both the positive and negative areas. I chose not to add detail (veins) to the positive leaves, kept my birds fairly simple, and I resisted getting carried away with too many layers. Negative painting is addictive!

Cardinal Joy, Original  11 x 15 Watercolor Painting

Paint. Love. Repeat.