Session #2:

Blocking In The Darks:

Using a combination of Quinacridone Red, Phthalo Blue Green Shade and Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold create a rich black. Mixing your own black (and greys) is more effective from “scratch” (primary colours) because you can vary the tone of the black – redder in places, greener or bluer elsewhere. Getting the paint consistency thinnish requires the use of Matte Medium, rather than water or white paint. If you want to lighten your black to a grey tone, use Zinc White, rather than Titaniun White because it keeps the colour better – less “pastel”.

Use this very dark paint selectively – try to keep it only where it really exists in your subject yet, be sure to completely fill the area where it belongs because it is difficult to touch up later. Placing these darks where they belong all at the same time throughout the canvas creates unity.

Next, lighten the mixture and adapt the colours to suit the “middle dark” areas – usually, they are next to the darkest bits. Where a soft edge is wanted, rub the paint with your finger along the edge. A bit less paint (rather than a “glob”) is easier to soften.