I've seen the light ...

I finally finished project three of my acrylic intermediate course. Should have done so in February, but a virus knocked me out for most of that month - which is best forgotten!

This is the largest stretched canvas I've done so far - 24 inches by 18 inches.  The aim of this project was to use a palette knife to apply the acrylic paint, so not much detail can be included. I found it a bit tricky at first, particularly the smaller areas, but I did enjoy using the knife on large expanses of the canvas, as I do like to create some texture. I did use a brush for tiny areas though, as even my smallest palette knife was too big!

I remembered to take stage photos so ...

First I did an outline sketch using pencil, then using very dilute paint, most of the canvas was covered with washes. The majority of the drips would ultimately disappear!

Using a palette knife, the trees, roofs and buildings were added.

Next, windows (tricky) and sea walls.
The first layer of the sea, so it will have that green undertone.

Everything else was completed, and the final layers for the sea were added.

Now, you may think this is finished ...

The original photo was taken at sunset, so I had to add a warm glaze ... help - never done a glaze before and I had visions of ruining everything!

I procrastinated for a while, tidying up paints and brushes, and other inconsequential stuff. Then I held my breath and ... ended up doing two glaze layers as my first one was so pale. I think I have achieved that warm light you get when the sun sets.

I won't be so frightened of glazing again, as it does tie everything together.

I enjoyed using a palette knife, and will keep a couple in my tool box.

I've just returned from an art holiday - just a few days, but I really enjoyed it. It will probably be the subject of my next post!

Hurrah - the sun is out and it is feeling much warmer. Lots more tree blossom now too. Doesn't Spring just make you feel good?