-Subject: Learning from the masters.
Continuing from last time. I’ve did a painted study on one of frank’s Conan piece ‘The Snow Giants’ it was the Cover to Conan of Cimmeria by Robert E Howard, published by Lancer books (New York 1969). It was Oil on academy board 16”x 20”.
I picked one of the giants to do a gouache(a kind of paint) study on, not going crazy on making it 100% the same because I know I will “look at the answer” side to side when I take a picture and paint it again on photoshop.
I thought my gouache was good then immediately humbled by putting my piece of effort next to the master. I was using dark way too much. I notice there was so much colors in the shadows. Frank really saved up his dark tones for the last. Being known as a two value artist he’s using way less dark then you think it’s just that the shadow shapes are defined so well you brain group them into shadows in auto mode.
Before.
Second thing is I thought there is no white when I was doing my study but Frank actually used some very white tones in a few spots. Having that white black contrast to the max is just strong and brutal.And I painted a bit of blue from the background. The orange blue pair is just so pleasing to the eye I can’t resist, great choice by Frank.
After.
Third is the shape design. His shape are just so well grouped and design everything reads very well. This all comes to decision making. And the discipline to group your shapes in order and flow.
So three things I’ve learnt from this study:
1.There’s a lot of colors in the shadows, it’s a great place to play with colors.
2. Not be scared to play with the maximum contrast on 100% white and dark.
3. Put your shapes in groups and more pronounced form so they read better.
‘The Snow Giants’ it was the Cover to Conan of Cimmeria by Robert E Howard, published by Lancer books (New York 1969). It was Oil on academy board 16”x 20”.
Closing thoughts:
I really thought I’ve learn enough after the physical painting study but after I try to dig deeper my eyes are opened to a tone more. I guess if you are willing to dig, Art just have endless lessons to offer.
Thank you very much for reading,
Have a great day and best of luck on your efforts,
Din
More Art:
Recently I’m blessed with a new friend in my life, He works for riot games and does magic cards also he’s so nice he answers my art questions. Which by chance could be your question while creating your painting or tattoo design too. So today I’d share some gold with you guys.