Learning Objectives:
• Understand how visual metaphors can add meaning to a painting
• Learn how light and colour can be used to create depth in a painting
• Experiment with mixed media techniques using acrylics and coloured pencils
• Learn how light and colour can be used to create depth in a painting
• Experiment with mixed media techniques using acrylics and coloured pencils
What you will need:
A reference image, A3 smooth cartridge paper, a soft pencil (preferably 2B or 4B), eraser, pencil sharpener, acrylic paints, a small brush, a larger brush, a pot of water, a paper towel and coloured pencils.
Today's task:
1. Read through the PowerPoint below to learn about the work of artist James Mackie.
2. Watch the demo videos below.
3. Choose a reference image
3. Have a go at producing your piece, working from your reference image and following the steps outlined in the videos and PowerPoint.
2. Watch the demo videos below.
3. Choose a reference image
3. Have a go at producing your piece, working from your reference image and following the steps outlined in the videos and PowerPoint.
Introduction to the work of James Mackie:
Demo video 1: Drawing the outlines
Demo video 2: Painting the background in acrylics
Demo video 3: Adding the cracks in coloured pencil
Demo video 4: Adding colour to the balloon using coloured pencils
Coming soon...
Top Tips
Outlines:
• Measure where each shape goes on the page carefully so that it all ends up with the correct perspective.
• Check the angles of each line or shape carefully.
Background painting:
• Thin down your acrylics with water to help it flow better and to keep it smooth.
• Paint/blend quickly because it will dry faster when the paint is thinned.
• Getting the tonal values correct (lights and darks) is more important than mixing the right colours. It's the values that make it look 3D and realistic.
Coloured pencils:
• Use good-quality coloured pencils, especially for the white, or it may not show up very well over the painted background.
• Vary the weight (thickness) of your lines when drawing the cracks to make it look more realistic.
• Layer up your colours gradually - don't press too firmly too quickly or it could look scribbled.
• Layer different colours over one another to vary the number of colours you can create.
• Add as many gradients as you can to the balloon to make it look rounded/3D.
• Measure where each shape goes on the page carefully so that it all ends up with the correct perspective.
• Check the angles of each line or shape carefully.
Background painting:
• Thin down your acrylics with water to help it flow better and to keep it smooth.
• Paint/blend quickly because it will dry faster when the paint is thinned.
• Getting the tonal values correct (lights and darks) is more important than mixing the right colours. It's the values that make it look 3D and realistic.
Coloured pencils:
• Use good-quality coloured pencils, especially for the white, or it may not show up very well over the painted background.
• Vary the weight (thickness) of your lines when drawing the cracks to make it look more realistic.
• Layer up your colours gradually - don't press too firmly too quickly or it could look scribbled.
• Layer different colours over one another to vary the number of colours you can create.
• Add as many gradients as you can to the balloon to make it look rounded/3D.