Painters Online Logo

Login/register

Studio

Line, wash, and fade out

Welcome to the forum.

Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.

Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.

Hang on Studio Wall
Author
Message
21.08 slaley hall maluillustration PROMO - low res small

Gerry Mellor

  • Forum Expert
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 234
Posted
Trialling a tweak to my approach to my line and wash paintings. Fading out the linework, and fading out the wash areas.  Using three inks (light grey, mid grey, and black), being mindful of where I want focus and attention, and then using colour to compliment/assist with focus. This particular one is wip, but there's not much more I will do to this. Just wanted to see what anyone thinks. Thanks in advance. Cheers gang.
IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 21388
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 6938
Posted
Sorry not commented before, missed this for some reason , it’s looking fabulous love the colours of the main building.  I find that having the sketch and colours fading out draws ( not pun intended ) me further into the scene.

Martin Norford

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 127
Posted
Hi Paul Maybe too late now But I would consider continuing the road surface into the foreground. This would draw the viewer into the painting.🤔 And even some shadow from the tree over head 🤔🤔
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 24823
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 8653
Posted
I didn't notice this either - things do drop out of sight. All I can say, and it's way too late to be of any use, is that while I wouldn't do it myself, I like your approach....how's that for useless advice? 
21.08 slaley hall maluillustration PROMO - low res small

Gerry Mellor

  • Forum Expert
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 234
Posted
Paul, Thank you. Good to hear that as a viewer you are drawn in. Thanks Martin, it's never too late to offer some thoughts. I added some detail colour to the main building, and I'm then leaving this particular one as it is, but comments and thoughts from people always give me food for thought for future ones. I'm building a series of 'fade out' paintings, and will keep it in mind. I think the road surface idea is worth trying, with another one, thank you. I also wondered about a shadow from the tree...I'd certainly do that if I was creating a 'whole view' type painting, but I thought in this instance it would make the foreground much stronger than I wanted, so have kept the foreground ambiguous. Robert, thank you for the honesty and for the 'liking' and encouragement. (and it's not too late, thank you). I know the approach will not be for everyone, but this is part of trialling and developing some ideas that I have and want to see what I can do with...and part of the reason for putting it up for critique is that I am looking for such feedback...I really don't mind what the responses are. I take all feedback as material to grow with. I can see myself continuing to use this approach in the future, but I feel it isn't polished yet, and will continue to experiment. So I'll be posting more when they're done, and will offer them up for thoughts. Cheers again.

Edited
by Gerry Mellor

Denise Cat

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 6947
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 2625
Posted
I like it Gerry. Nice job. I do think it has balance. Martin has a point about the tree. Maybe you could pencil in some light shadow to indicate the branches and leaves just to have a look before committing.

Edited
by Denise Cat

Martin Norford

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 127
Posted
Hi I have read again your original message.  For me. Looking at the view I quickly found myself looking at the figures on the periphery. Which may just be my inquisitive nature.  So. I wonder if the trailing out should not only apply for the details. Colours etc. But also.  Wants happening at the edges and in my mind.  Just out of view 🤔🤔🤔 To achieve the maximum effectiveness of your concept.... ????

Edited
by Martin Norford

Alan Bickley

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 11898
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4493
Posted
Duplicated!

Edited
by Alan Bickley

Alan Bickley

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 11898
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4493
Posted
A light vignetted wash leading to the building would work, or just a single burnt Sienna line following the kerb line up to the building would also work!
21.08 slaley hall maluillustration PROMO - low res small

Gerry Mellor

  • Forum Expert
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 234
Posted
Martin. Interesting point about the level of interest fading out, thank you...I was aware that I wanted line strength, colour, tone and detail to fade out, but I'll certainly look to consider activities, and what's happening, in future ones. Alan, I like the single burst idea....something I'll look for in future scenes....that may give some energy to the piece. Thank you. I think I've tried too literally with this one, to 'fade out', and almost missed a trick because I've taken an approach of fading out to the same degree all over, proportional to the distance from the focal area. Food for thought. Thank you
Self Portrait - Pastel Pencils on Grey Mi Tientes Paper - 10th July 2021

Bobbie Matulja

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 78
Posted
I like your painting just as it is - the fade out is fine.  The composition places the focus firmly on the church in the centre, anchored by the inviting walkways either side leading off into the far distance.  
21.08 slaley hall maluillustration PROMO - low res small

Gerry Mellor

  • Forum Expert
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 234
Posted
Thank you, Bobbie. I appreciate the comments, thank you.