Here is an example of the development of the
painting of the Ice Bird. I initially read David Lewis's book about the voyage looking for a scene that I could depict in the painting and which gave the flavour of the tough waters off Antartica.
I then did a number of sketches before selecting the arrangement shown here and transferred the details
to a gesso prepared masonite board.
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1. After transferring the sketch to the board I have used acrylics to paint a monotone picture to establish basic tones and wave structure. |
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2.Oils have now been used to establish basic colour combination and a highlighted wave added to foreground to provide more perspective to the water. The basic jury rig has been added as well as details on the cabin and cockpit. |
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3. Wave structure and foam has been developed and the waves along the top right of the painting changed to allow me to show the outline of Anvers island and some distant ice bergs. Work has started on the cloud arrangements. |
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4. The yacht details are now being refined as well as the cloud structure depicting the end of the storm front to the left and clearing skies towards Anvers Island. The foam on the water and wave crests are also detailed as well as the sunlight on the water and clouds. |
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6. The final painting. All the foam
has been detailed; rigging added, and shading completed on hull and David Lewis has been positioned on the tiller looking towards his destination. Greater contrast has been provided to the forward wave. |
