Lifting Paint

In this example I'll use a painting I've worked on recently.  There was an area I just wasn't happy with. 

This is the photo I used as reference, with thanks to an online friend for the use of ....

As you see from the photo, the chicken was actually sitting down fluffing it's feathers up...but in my painting it doesn't look like it is sitting.  

In simple terms: I had not added the foot properly and it bothered me.  So decided to 'lift' some paint out to create the foot, and hopefully it would then appear to be sitting.

METHOD:

1.  Wait for the paint to completely dry.  You can only do this technique successfully when the paint is totally dry.

2.  I used a small flat synthetic brush as it would give me more control and also enable the shape of the foot to be achieved.

3.  Using clear water on the brush I lightly scrubbed the area needed and then quickly used a kitchen towel to dry that area.   (If you don't dry it quickly, you will inadvertently find the water used will spread and create more problems, for example 'blooms').

An easy remedy - 

the chicken now looks like it is sitting.

Using a paint brush the correct size for your subject

Okay, it seems simple enough, but you wouldn't believe the number of people who forget to consider this.


Large brush for big paintings - Small brush for small paintings and detail.

I've seen people pick up a brush and think they need to use it for ALL of the painting they are working on.

START WITH THE CORRECT SIZED BRUSH....ONE THAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE USING.

Remember to also CHANGE TO A DIFFERENT SIZED BRUSH AS YOU NEED IT
DURING YOUR PAINTING PROCESS.

A very valid comment has been made by Robin at Pink House Studio -
I'm adding it here as it needs to be kept in mind if you are
doing a loose painting....

~ thanks Robin ~


Great feed back in the Comments:

Here's what Judy over at   dedraadaquarellen  has to say:

~ thanks Judy~

Mirror Image

If you are unsure about a painting and ask yourself

if it looks a completely finished piece then

just hold up a mirror and look at the painting.

By viewing via a mirror it shows up any inconsistencies

which you can then correct.

Give it a try and let me know

what you think.