Bob Bateman demo

A 'photo journey' of Bob Bateman's painting demonstration...

 

 



Using Masonite that has been sealed with gesso, he started with acrylic paints to block in a wolf from his reference photograph (at left). Here he thought about the composition and where the wolf should land on the board.



Then he thought about the horizon line and the background. Blocking the background in as one large dark with a slight gradation and planning to break it up later with the foreground grasses.

 

Adding the grasses next, he has his reference photo to the left. Earlier, we actually went looking for a "good clump of grass" (nice form with good shadow and light patterns) to use for the painting.

 

Using very thin acrylic, he blocked in the general values and shapes - not concerning himself with the color yet. Paying particular attention to the overall composition and how the shapes interrelate. You'll notice he moved the horizon line behind the wolf, not liking his first choice.

Switching to alkyd oils, he started adding more details and color. Also, you'll notice more grasses have been blocked in. He often changed the grass pattern slightly, placing them 'strategically' around the wolf.

Still using very thin washes, he continued adjusting and modifying. (Notice the legs of the wolf, he changed the position slightly DEFINITELY not being a slave to his reference photograph.)

Satisfied with the overall composition, he then added the lighter grasses in front. Here he felt the major elements of the painting were complete. However, he said he would continue to work on the painting for quite some time, making further and further slight adjustments to the piece.

  To visit Robert Bateman's web site and see more of his work, click here.