Woodland Bridge - Breaking a Subject Up Into Sections : Preview

In this tutorial, we have a particularly complex subject with a lot going on. So how do you simplify all of this visual noise; not only to make it more approachable and easier to tackle as a painting but also in order to create a cohesive painting - rather than a complex mess or series of disjointed areas?

The answer (as is often the case) comes down to good old tonal values.

I will show how to break the subject up into different areas and what to look for when analysing each area. I will talk you through the tonal considerations to show that not only does this provide us with a simple process by which to actually paint, but also how simplifying our tones and being aware of them at all times, will always help to unify a painting and make it “work”.

Whilst complex, a backlit scene like this is a great opportunity to use the simple approach of working in stages from light to gentle shadows and then to deep shadows. This gentle building of tonal layers, combined with working in sections means this painting can be built up slowly and methodically.

This tutorial also ended up being a nice little delve into colour mixing. Particularly for greens but also for mixing coloured greys (muted/subdued colours). As well as balancing areas of stronger colour with more subdued colours.

Ultimately this tutorial is about taking something big, and potentially slightly overwhelming, and then breaking it up into manageable bite-size chunks.

Not an easy one, but trust the process, trust the shapes and tonal values, take your time, and of course don't forget to smile and enjoy it - you will be fine!