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CREATING A PAINTING

 Many times I have thought of describing how an artist
begins a painting and following through to it's completion.
This scene of a group of shops in Sedan, Kansas became
that painting.
I also logged the hours of the twelve sessions. A total of
nearly 72 hours. Not including the drawing and the preparation
of the canvas. Follow along and appreciate the hard work an
artist puts into our profession.


MAIN STREET SHOPS, SEDAN KANSAS

Session 1



As I start this painting, the drawing is crucial. Such
lovely old buildings, that definition is required.

Session 2



To start a painting one must realize an idea. This
can be achieved by sketching or doing thumbnail
drawings. To start "Main Street Shops", the canvas
was toned with burnt umber.
This will set the tonal values for what is to come.
Dark thin layers will be put in first. By putting in the
thin darks, it will help to establish the lightest lights.

Session 3



These lovely old buildings have such flavor, and you
want to keep that feeling as you continue on with the
painting.
As I recorded this on canvas, it is my hope, that you
will find the enjoyment that I found in preserving these
old buildings.

Session 4



I will be in Sedan, Kansas doing a demo on this
painting at the Art Show in October 2006.

Session 5



There are changes and decisions that need to be
addressed today. Parts of the painting has minor
changes, such as benches, flower pots, sidewalks,
and street, without altering the composition too
much. You can add or remove items that are a
problem or an asset.

Session 6



The stages of a painting progress as the wet paint
lets you. I sometimes work wet on wet, but it
depends if you are in the last stage of completion.
The flag in this painting needed a dry background.
The painting is really working and coming together
now.

Session 7



I'm getting fond of this city of Sedan as I paint this
area of shops.
Looking to the future, I was asked to not add the
trellis above the awning. The awning was debatable,
but I think it's a signature of the gallery.
I continue to develop small areas of the painting.
Please stay tuned....

Session 8



I will be checking the shadows that make the
painting so striking. Adding details such as clouds,
more flower pots, and putting the name of the Gallery
on the building front will add more interest. Also try
not to tighten up the brush strokes, but keep it fresh
and loose.

Session 9



This painting is nearing completion. I've enjoyed it
very much. The finishing touches will be in defining
the sidewalk, adding the flowers, as well as highlighting
certain areas. I've now identified one of the shops.

Session 10



As this painting process continues, several small
changes are made. The Gallery name will need to
be muted with a burnt umber glaze. Additional
flower pots with colorful flowers will brighten spots.
Small changes are easily made once the larger areas
are completed.

Session 11



The changes to the painting are small at this point
and not too visible. The Gallery sign has been muted,
flower pots added, the decorative design above the
awning can be seen and the bench is in place. The
last session will be what I call "bringing up the color".

Session 12 (Final)

 
Main Street Shops, Sedan, Kansas
14 x 18 oil/canvas

What a wonderful experience this has been for me to
get the shops on canvas. The last touches were in
scoring the sidewalks and pavers, brightening some
spots, and a few other details. Once again I commend
the residents of Sedan for such a delightful town and
the pride they have in it's restoration.

As an artist I'm making an effort to record other small
towns. If you are interested, contact me from the
contact page.