Brugges, Belgium Canals

[Val]

I am truly bedazzled.     The water and reflections are perfection.   

Thanks Pat. 

[patindaytona]

I couldn't wait.... so, i got it out and filled in up to a equal border on the right side of the drawing. Now it has a equal margin all the way around the whole thing. Worked out pretty quickly with no hang ups. From now, I will have to start taping a border around every drawing so I know if fills up the paper to the edges evenly.

[patindaytona]

Thanks Val. But i still didn't post the revised version...i always end up doing more to anything long after I have posted it. It's just a hassle to keep taking photos of it since I use photoshop and spend a good amount of time trying to get it to look like the actual drawing does. PS...I ordered some "extra white" professional paper. A ten pack of 11 x 14 inch. Hot Press (very smooth)..this canal was also done on Hot Press, but not extra white. I'm anxious to see how white it is.

[Liz]

Exquisite drawing, Pat!      I wondered where you went when I got back from PI and now know where you've been spending your time- DRAWING!!!

Your mom and everyone who sees your art on the wall will be SO PROUD that the fine artist is in their own family! 

What you said about black shadows and moss reflection was what I had to deal with on the bridge painting.  Something new and different for me!

[patindaytona]

Liz, I have found most recently that a real good tip is to make absolutely sure whne you're doing perspective and aligning up things like reflections that those things are PERFECT in alignment. I trace right thru my photos on a window.   DOn't loose those pencil marks and think, oh, it's off just a litte, but it's ok.
The rest will take care of itself as far as color/value. The other thing I've learned the hard way is that COVER UP THE CANVAS. Don't put anything in until you've covered everything up. But work around the things like windows, etc..(i paint in the outlines of things like this with paint first then dry). Doesn't matter if the outlines are inaccurate..it's just so you won't loose site of them. Windows? FILL it in. Then, go back and do the panes, the cross frame etc. Even now I made that mistake at first, but realized that everything even them...fill in first. Don't ever work around things like making the cross frame of the window first...detail is always last. This whole concept works, and it helps put your mind at ease too because you see progress being made fast.

[Liz]

Thanks for the tips, Pat!  That makes a lot of sense- details go last!