Wally’s Workshop

Perfect paintings and drawings can look lifeless. As an artist searching for perfection don’t miss the key ingredient to great art. The most important painting component is

“A magical picture that builds an atmosphere of life”

An oil painting isn’t a dull flat image. It has grown from the texture of the canvas surface. The artist has skillfully built layer upon layer of paint to create a work of art. The paint surface itself is interesting

“The surface of the painted canvas has depth and texture”

There is more to creating an art masterpiece. A painting has its own story. It has its own history

What you don’t see when you look at a painting are the plans and preparations. There are thoughts, ideas and research hidden behind each brushstroke

* With forgotten preparatory drawings

* There are color sketches hidden in a forgotten art folder

* There will be re-workings that are scraped away or covered with later layers of paint

Even for an artist who can create an exact copy, there is more that you can give your painting

* A painting becomes Art when you use your feeling and understanding

* Your flair and expression gives your painting character

* Your painting needs your time and dedication

If you use photographs, make your painting an impression of what you see. Combine details from one photograph with the background of another. Play with components to create a new reality

* Introduce recollections and memories

* Let your picture tell a story

* Introduce fresh color

You can disguise drawing faults like poor perspectives with confident line-work. Active drawing permits you to disguise mistakes and lack of drawing skill when you work from real life

* With the sweep of your ink pen you can mask the slightly distorted vase of flowers in your still life drawing

* When you use a pencil for figure drawing, errors in body form can be hidden

* For landscape drawing you can make trees move with the wind with a quick swish of charcoal

* A swirling dash of crayon can capture the power of Sea waves

You can easily add more interest to you drawings Leave the sketch outlines showing. Your drawings will rank high when your pencil marks show movement and growth.

Distinguish your original art creation from a machine produced print. Don’t hide your talents Let the painting process show through

* Allow visible brush marks to show the quality of your oil and acrylic painting skills

* You can lift your paintings with a splash of color

* Use the power of water to create flowing watercolor paintings

Whether you are an art beginner, an intermediate amateur, or a professional artist don’t let your art suffer. Add soul to your drawing and painting

“Let your personality and character shine through”