Here is an example of the development of the
painting of the schooner Patanela off Heard Island. Prior to commencing
the actual painting various sketches were prepared showing Patanela
in a variety of positions on waves with consideration to the wave
size and pattern as well as the angle of the vessel, and the colour
combinations. Once the basic arrangement was decided the details
were transferred to a gesso prepared masonite board.
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1. The basic sea and mountains were
sketched in using acrylics |
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2. Oils were now used to start detailing
the rolling seas and Patanela was added based on the earlier
sketches. The yacht is on a starboard tack to allow me to show
details on deck including some of the crew and reduce the amount
of yellow hull showing. |
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3. I am now starting to build in
the sea details taking account of the wind direction at the
time and working to represent the cold and harsh conditions
off this Antartic Island. |
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4. The sunlight on the island and
yacht is now developed taking account of the low level to represent
early morning at this latitude. Detailing of the deck has started
and the reefs can be seen in the main sails. The broad positions
for foam including the yacht's wake are added. |
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5. The details on the island and
sky are well underway and all the colours and values established.
Shadows have been added to the sails, and the line of foam along
the hull. The sea foam has been detailed. |
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6. Further details
have been added to the island and sea and the contrasting sky
and cloud cover added.I also tried a different sail combination
by using a paper layer to paint out the mainsail. However I
reverted back to full reefed sails which were used on much of
the voyage as I felt it gave better balance overall. |
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7. The final painting with sea detailing
completed and all the rigging added and some overall highlighting
of sky and the mountains. The waves crashing against the hull
have now been added. |
