When I go to the beach, I take lots of random photos and videos from a distance in the hopes that some portions of these uncomposed scenes will become painting references in the future.
I so love all that inspiring experimentation and analysis Ingrid, thank you! I too have a file of photos of people on beaches with bright inflatables and this really inspires me to pull out my iPad and play more with Procreate. I feel as you do that the last image is the most summery and compositionally appealing. Hope you do paint it in your gorgeous inimitable way.
It’s so interesting for me to see your process. I learned something from each of the changes, but the one that strikes me most is from the initial photo to your innovation of it…such a lesson in using photos! I have seen many artists tweak a photo and bump up values/colors, but I would not “see” your value study in the photo you took. Amazing transformation!
It was fascinating to follow this journey to your 'happy place,' Ingrid. You played with value contrast because you feared that the middle values could be perceived as weak. In the end however, the middles are you, and they are definitely not weak. The final image really reasonated with me because it was so you, and what I enjoy most about your work.
Thanks for sharing your process! I too use procreate to play with a painting’s design. Do you continue to use it to resolve issues with the painting in progress? Sometimes I think I’m mad, exploring hundreds of possibilities before I put paint to canvas!
Also, I noticed one thing that you never changed: the two pool toys are the same height, rather than having the light one lower, as in your photo, which I think might make a better composition.
I do use it to help with in progress works, Maxine. It's such a great tool for me. And you made me laugh about the height of the ring. It never occurred to me! I was fixated on shapes around the figures. Back to the drawing board!
I loved following through your analysis, and like your final version..but something else also occurred to me re the original first row. I like the shapes of the darks in #5, but placed lower as in #2
Learning so much from you XX
I'm glad!
Thanks for reading my newsletter:)
I so love all that inspiring experimentation and analysis Ingrid, thank you! I too have a file of photos of people on beaches with bright inflatables and this really inspires me to pull out my iPad and play more with Procreate. I feel as you do that the last image is the most summery and compositionally appealing. Hope you do paint it in your gorgeous inimitable way.
It’s so interesting for me to see your process. I learned something from each of the changes, but the one that strikes me most is from the initial photo to your innovation of it…such a lesson in using photos! I have seen many artists tweak a photo and bump up values/colors, but I would not “see” your value study in the photo you took. Amazing transformation!
You are a great artist and an excellent teacher.
Thank you!
That's so kind, Elly! Thank you.
I'm glad that this was a thought-provoking post for you:)
It was fascinating to follow this journey to your 'happy place,' Ingrid. You played with value contrast because you feared that the middle values could be perceived as weak. In the end however, the middles are you, and they are definitely not weak. The final image really reasonated with me because it was so you, and what I enjoy most about your work.
Thanks Michelle. You're right: middle is me. I'm glad you enjoy my middle work and my newsletter:)
Thanks for sharing your process! I too use procreate to play with a painting’s design. Do you continue to use it to resolve issues with the painting in progress? Sometimes I think I’m mad, exploring hundreds of possibilities before I put paint to canvas!
Also, I noticed one thing that you never changed: the two pool toys are the same height, rather than having the light one lower, as in your photo, which I think might make a better composition.
I do use it to help with in progress works, Maxine. It's such a great tool for me. And you made me laugh about the height of the ring. It never occurred to me! I was fixated on shapes around the figures. Back to the drawing board!
That’s why it’s so valuable to get fresh eyes…makes me think I should use my Instagram for that.
The reason it might work better is that it would echo the downward curve of their heads.
Anyway, enjoying following you.
I love all the detail you described about each one. We learn by seeing through your eyes. Thank you!
I'm glad you found this post interesting! Thanks for reading my newsletter:)
Oh yes bottom row number 5 makes me sigh with relief after looking at all the ones with the dark shapes in the background
It’s why we love your style too!
I'm glad you agree with me, Jennifer and that you enjoyed this post:)
I loved following through your analysis, and like your final version..but something else also occurred to me re the original first row. I like the shapes of the darks in #5, but placed lower as in #2
There were dozens more possible thumbnails. I could probably paint this image 50 times and not repeat myself. How wonderful is that?:)