Enchanted Forest: Let's start!

I started a new piece today that will eventually be named Enchanted Forest.  I thought someone out there might be interested in how I start a painting.

The first step is to choose a subject.  I was in Germany a few months ago and took a walk through a forest near my daughter's house in Bavaria in search of a geocache.  We found it and I thought this photo was magical.  I love the forests in the U.S., but there's something extra special about the forests in Europe.  I completely understand why Disney uses them in their animated films.

Once I select the photo I'll use for my reference, I like to get it enlarged to closely match the size of the canvas I plan to use.  The next step is to draw a grid on the photo to help me transfer the image to my canvas.

The first step is to prime my canvas with a very thin layer of raw umber oil paint.  I do this because a white canvas will just suck in the paint.  The primer helps with that issue.  I use linen canvases.  They are really smooth unlike the canvases you typically purchase from your local hobby stores.  More expensive, yes, but totally worth it in my opinion.

Next step is to draw a grid on the canvas and then use my reference photo to transfer the image to the canvas.  The grid is a huge help since I've never taken any drawing classes.

Now I'm ready to start.  The instructor I've studied under for the longest is a classical artist meaning she has taught me how to paint like the old masters would have.  I have to admit there are times I'd rather just jump in with color, but I know my best works have all started with an underpainting.  Patience, Ellen, patience.

Three things are needed for an underpainting.  Raw umber oil paint, mineral spirits and high quality paper towels to wipe the excess paint off.  The purpose of the underpainting is to get a layer of paint on the canvas.  It's a very thin layer so I'll mix the mineral spirits with the raw umber to get the right consistency.  The rule is "thick over thin" which means your first layers of paint are extremely thin and as you add color and detail the layers become thicker.

I decided to start with the tree trunk.  I'm right handed so I work from left to right so that I'm not dragging my right arm through wet paint.  I start with the darkest area and then add the lighter colors.  I use the paper towels to wipe out the areas where the light hits.  This will aid me when I start adding color and detail.

This is where I ended after about two hours.  My rule of thumb is not to paint for longer than two hours at a time.  Breaks are important especially when you start getting frustrated when something isn't working right.  

I'm pretty happy with today's progress.  Please come back and visit to see future progress!