Aaron Holland Fine Art

Below is a demonstration of a Plein Air technique that I use for painting in one session:

Step 1: The Drawing

Begin by drawing an outline of the major elements in the scene. I used a thinned mixture of Ivory Black and Permanent Alizarin. Begin to make notes of any and all shadows; in this picture the sun was high so there were only a few prominent shadow shapes.

Step 2: The Wash

Using thinned (somewhat transparent) paint I cover the canvas. I want the painting to look like the finished picture as soon as possible! I work in simple, flat masses of color. Often-times I will work with the flat side of a china brush in a scubbing motion (against the bristles) to apply paint. When the canvas is covered I begin to paint opaquely.

Step 3: Thick Paint.

I now begin to add opaque paint ( once the canvas is covered), and at the same time I continue to develop more specific shapes and colors.

Step 4: Finish

Develop details, refine shapes, build up thicker paint in the lights. More blended color in the background, more broken color in the forground.

"Gill"s Rock" oil on linen 8 × 10" HOLLAND