Julie Donec

Mona Lisa #5

The next step has been completed by using a range of grays to fully establish the form, and details. The paint mix for the 'dead layer' was made up from: Titanium White, Zinc White, Ivory Black, Ochre and the brand name Old Holland Indian Red. I'd mentioned that when mixing the grays, to start mixing the white and black together first, then adding the ochre, and finally the red. This order of mixing assures good colour mix control. Notice how the layers underneath, (made up from raw umber and Phthalo Blue), show through in a number of places. The previous layers act as a foundation for the gray values painted on top, and provide a beautiful hue especially in the face and hands. There are some areas that need adjusting, (details around the eyes, hands and hair), but for the most part, the forms have been modelled to my satisfaction, and when dry, is ready for the application of colour. We'll discuss the various techniques, i.e. glazing, scumbling, frottage etc. as they come up in the next few layers. This image was taken in the studio; there is a 'glare' and 'running' on the upper right hand corner, where it looks like the image is bleeding. This is simply a photographic error, and dosn't appear on the actual image.