Underpainting is a technique that adds depth and rich color to your painting. The technique dates back to the Old Masters who painted with oils, but this week’s free project applies this time-tested principle to colored pencils.
The iris’s vibrant dark blue is created by first underpainting the shadows on the petals with a dark purple color.
This colored pencil underpainting project comes from Masterful Color by Arlene Steinberg. In the book you’ll get: * 15 step-by-step demonstrations that teach a classic approach to color, value and composition. * a gorgeous range of subject matter, from luscious fruits and flowers to shimmering porcelain, crystal, silver, glass and more. * All the lessons come together in a grand, start-to-finish painting demonstration, from initial concept to final touches.
Sweeping vistas of rolling hills are common subjects for landscape paintings, but painting this type of scene from a different vantage point can present an interesting and challenging opportunity.
This week’s free painting project shows you how to approach a familiar subject in a new way. The dark foreground trees contrast with the distant valley and river below them. You’ll gain practice at adding depth to your watercolor painting.
This lovely nature watercolor scene comes from the book Creating Nature in Watercolor by Cathy Johnson. In the book, you’ll get:
* new perspectives on how to see and paint the wonders of nature in a whole new way.
* tips for sharpening your observation skills, experimenting with new techniques and keep up the satisfying practice of carrying your sketchbook wherever you go.
* A rare opportunity to experience the joy of painting nature with Cathy Johnson, a beloved artist, naturalist and teacher.
What little girl doesn’t dream of wearing a crown of flowers. This week’s free project shows you how to make a lovely floral headpiece.
The project is titled “Flower Girl Headpiece,” but you don’t have to wait for a wedding to create this beautiful accessory. Why not surprise a birthday girl with a special crown for her party or create something special to add to games of make-believe and dress-up?
This flower girl headpiece comes from the book Romantic Weddings by Rebekah Meier. In the book you’ll find:
* handcrafted keepsakes and accessories for every aspect of a wedding * easy-to-follow projects, many of which can be made in a single afternoon * ideas that can be tailored to fit your own unique wedding theme or style
Acrylic paint is a versatile, easy-to-use medium with limitless possibilities. This week’s free project explores an alternate way to paint with acrylics—using cheesecloth and rags with the paint for a variety of effects. You can:
• Use rags to apply acrylics to a surface • Smooth acrylics with a rag for an even finish • Use clothe as a stencil to create interesting patterns.
This week’s project comes from Acrylic Revolution—an essential, all-in-one guide for acrylic painting techniques and more. Use any of the more than 101 strategies to break through the boundaries of conventional painting and re-define your creative potential with the world’s most versatile medium.
To purchase Acrylic Revolution by Nancy Reyner, click here. In the U.K. click here.
Paint this lovely landscape in just an hour using Donna Dewberry’s one-stroke method! This week’s free project is a field of daisies. It features:
• High definition acrylic paints that give you the great impasto look of oils but the ease and quick-dry time of acrylics
• Painting wrapped all they way around the canvas—no need for a frame! (Try the Fredrix Creative Edge pre-stretched canvas for easy of painting)
• A multi-canvas scene for a creative way to decorate your home.
This project comes from Fast & Fun Landscape Painting with Donna Dewberry. Donna brings her distinctive style and easy painting techniques to landscape painting in 20 step-by-step demonstration. You can paint a complete scenic landscape on canvas in less than an hour following Donna’s fun instructions.
To purchase Fast & Fun Landscape Painting with Donna Dewberry, click here. In the U.K. click here.
