Page 26 - The Decorative Painter Spring 2018

Painter’s Checklist
SURFACE
11" x 14" canvas (27.94 x 35.56 cm)
PALETTE
DECOART AMERICANA ACRYLICS Black Plum
Blue Mist
Burnt Sienna
Buttermilk
Cadmium Yellow
Hauser Dark Green
Hauser Light Green
Hauser Medium Green
Raw Sienna
Raw Umber
Yellow Ochre
BRUSHES
Sharon B’s no. 12 trident
1" flat wash
Nos. 3 & 5 round
No. 1 script liner & mini liner Sea sponge
SUPPLIES
Basic painting supplies (page 96) DecoArt DuraClear Matte Varnish Graphite paper (white & gray)
This Woodland Study has been designed with the beginner acrylic landscape painter in mind, as well as for teaching mate- rial. My inspiration is an 1855 oil painting done by Asher Brown Durand, a favorite Hudson Valley artist. This group of artists is known for their ability to capture light and shadows. I have simplified the overall design to better instruct each element for new acrylic landscape painters.
It simplifies painting sky, ground, and varying tree forms using a natural sponge and Sharon B’s no. 12 trident brush, and is designed mainly for foreground elements as instructed in this project.
When selecting a sea sponge, look for texture and many holes on the surface. There are many different types of sponge, some smaller with delicate surfaces. You want the larger kind with bold textural areas. The sponge can be cut with scissors or pulled apart for smaller sections when needed.
Most canvases come pre-sealed with gesso. If not, apply one smooth coat of white gesso found at arts & crafts stores. I prefer a canvas board for less “bounce” when painting and it does not sag away from the frames like stretched canvases.
24 The Decorative Painter • SPRING 2018
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