Title and Medium
‘Study of Oliver in Sepia’, by Patricia Jessup. Acrylic on canvas. Colours used: Rowney Burnt Sienna ( acrylic) combined with Titanium white. 59cm x 48.5cm
Artist's Statement
I found this an incredibly interesting and challenging project. It taught me a great deal about tonal values and the range of effects that it is possible to achieve using only one colour (well okay, mixed with quite a bit of white).This painting was based on a picture of my friend’s son. His expressive eyes and languid, pensive attitude appealed to me, and I was also intrigued by the composition. All in all, a lovely subject for a painting, but I really struggled with the folds of the jersey, and the leaves of the tree were especially difficult to do. It took me at least two days of rubbing out and working over again before I was satisfied with the result.
What I'd Do Differently
- I have always had a problem with painting facial features and hands, so I was quite pleased with the way these turned out.
- Perhaps the one thing I might have changed was the colour. Not so sure about the burnt sienna -– burnt umber may have been a better choice.
Marion Boddy-Evans, Painting Guide, says:
It is surprising how much you can do with only one color (plus white) isn't it! And it's a reminder that if something isn't working in a painting, reaching for a new color may not be the answer, but rather it might be in the tones.
Best way to tell whether burnt umber would've been a choice you like better is to paint another version of the painting using it, then compare the two. Burnt sienna is a warmer color, but burnt umber would give a deeper dark, so it's a hard choice. In terms of learning still more about tone and the colors, you might also consider doing a painting using both of these colors (plus white). This could give you the best of both.
