Pulling out last year’s sketchbook, I was inspired to paint from a drawing completed in Wailuku, Maui. I started out using paints already on my palette: ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, raw sienna, sepia, and alizarin crimson. These colors, except for the red, made for a lot of gray. Yet I felt I had achieved some of the spirit of this old Hawaiian town. Why? First, because the painting was done quickly and loosely, and secondly because it appeared colorful.
But if you cover the red figure with your hand, it is actually a very gray picture!. Oftentimes, as in this case, a background of gray can make a bright color pop even more. If I had used more color, the painting might not have captured the town’s rustic and unpretentious look.
KC
Thanks for this! I hope you are feeling better.
Spring is on the way and sunshine helps.
It may use a lot of gray, but it feels very sunny. I can feel the sun pouring down on the houses and the road and the people.
Thank you for sharing. It is physically impossible for me to attend one of your workshops,
so I appreciate the info and your beautiful work.