Volume 2 l March, 2020

Painting Tips From the Aureolin Art Studio

I know it's a challenging time for us right now. My mother always told me to have faith — things always work out. We all have to ride this one out together. When I walk into my studio and start painting, I think of nothing else. I’m 100% focused on my painting — in my own world. I call it the great escape. I highly recommend you pull out your paints and start creating. It's something you can do that’s positive and reduces stress — plus it provides joy and brings the sense of well-being we all need right now.  Before you jump into it, do some planning. A good composition takes thought.

Decide on a focal point You want to ask yourself what your painting’s focus point or center of interest is. Where do you want your viewers’ eyes to go first? If you don't have a focal point, viewers will get lost and the painting won’t hang together.  Ask yourself what you want to say to your viewers when they look at the painting?    One tip to remember with regard to your focal point is to avoid putting it in three areas: Dead center Top of painting Bottom of painting

This photo, taken in Aspen, Colorado, features violet snow and sunset colors of vibrant oranges, pinks and magenta. I chose to recreate it in a painting, but I had to make some changes.    The trees were dead center and too much in the background; I knew I needed to have a focal point. I was inspired by the shape of the mountain, the trees and the colors. I made composition modifications to those elements to create my own impression of the winter landscape.

The take away is...... have a focal point in your paintings!

Stay well and take good care of yourself! XOXOX

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