WIP Critique giving the flats a try

[phc35]

Yes, Roger,I'm giving them a try Any comments and help,are appreciated.

 

[EdC]

A couple of suggestions:

1. Clean and prime them before you start. It's hard to fix holes and pits while paining.
2. Before you start painting study the figure and know where the light is coming from and how you want to paint it.
3. Use shadows and highlights. The proper placement of those is probably the most essential ingredient to flat painting. That is what gives flats depth and a three dimensional look.
4. Develop your own painting style, whether in oils or acrylics
5. Be bold in your painting
6. Lastly, and most important, ENJOY YOURSELF!

Ed

 

[Don Johnson]

Planeteers, that is an excellent list from someone who REALLY knows of what he is speaking. Ed's work - both flats and rounds - was on display at this year's MFCA, and it was/is stunning.
Number 2 is probably the most important (although just by a nose over No. 6!!). Turn out your painting lamps, and shine a flashlight on the figure from the spot where the sun/other light source would be. Study the shadows. Snap a couple images with your phone or camera. Use these as your painting guides.

 

[billyturnip]

Good start Jay and nice figures to begin with, I'm pleased you're giving them a try.
Great tips from Ed. A little variation on Don's tip is to leave one of your painting lights on and point it at the figure from your imaginary light source, for example top left and take your photo with your camera set to black & white, you get an even better idea of where your high's and lows will be.

Keep it up Jay, quite a few people are put off flats at their first try and give up but it really starts to come together with practice.

Roger.

 

[closerlookbooks]

There is a tutorial on the second set of figures you are painting here: http://www.flattinfigures.com/tutorial-by-chuck-smith

 

[Don Johnson]

Roger, that's a much better explanation - well done, sir!!

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Appreciate notes here guys have invested in a small set of these to use as a practice to grow my own painting skills.

Have bookmarked this thread for use later.

Mike

 

[Briank]

You've had great advice from fellow painters but two things, first don't get stressed about light direction this will come later just get the paint on the figure but be bold with the shading and highlights, two as already been said have fun and remember you haven't chosen the easiest of figures to start flat painting but there looking good so far
If you get stuck just ask and I'm sure the guys will help.