Week 124

Outside of our alla prima works together, we have been working with a black and white technique called Grisaille. It is a French term for paintings made entirely out of shades of grey or as an under painting for layering color on top. As 20th century artists tend to favor art that is Alla Prima (completed all at once or wet on wet), the technique has fallen out of use. Tonight, we decided to marry the methods. 

To ensure warmth and because of our limited time allotment, I swapped black and white for Burnt Umber and Naples. Then, I began with the flower crown. Beginning with a very muted palette takes patience and discipline. Most people want to jump to the vivid accents- and

your fingers will literally itch just looking at the gorgeous vibrant colors. But reserving them for towards the end gives the painting power. And looking at my regal model, who is my newly toothless 6 year old, I feel her strength, beauty and defiance. Her small frame houses a powerful woman inside. The radiant light from the force of dawn is matched only in the luminous glow of her fiery spirit.

Crown of Flowers and Sunlight

24” x 48” |  Oil on Canvas