Julie Donec

La Belle Ferronaire #3

Here is the Imprimatura layer completed. All the mass tones have been laid out, and it is now ready for the next layer, where we will be 'building up' the forms to start to fullly establish the figure and dress. The next layer will use the same mix of hues, adding more Burnt Umber, making it a darker mix. I'd suggest keeping colour swatches on hand to be able to correctly match your values/hues if you are breaking up your working sessions. If you are having problems visualizing where this is all going, think of it almost like a pen and brush drawing. You start out light and build up your forms in a monotone range, until you have fully established your lights and darks. Look at the first example, and then compare it with this one. You'll see how the forms are developing. In a few days I'll post the next layer. Remember to carefully render the shapes that you see, as each successive layer acts as a stepping stone to the next one. Work slowly and carefully, always following the form. An interesting note here: I've just heard that this piece has been sold for a little over a million dollars. Apparently, the 'experts' say that it isn't a Da Vinci. More details on this soon on my next post. Even if it isn't a Da Vinci, I think the rendering in this piece is exquisite, and I'm still happy to have chosen it as our class project.