Layering is a brilliant tutor because it requires you to take risks and make moves that feel uncomfortable, which can lead to unexpected and rewarding results. It forces you to let go and trust the process, even if it means losing some elements along the way.
Acrylics allow for quick drying and easy layering, making it possible to cover and excavate layers. Watercolors, on the other hand, are more challenging for layering because they don't dry quickly and it's difficult to go backward or remove layers once applied.
Oil paints have a longer drying time, which can be frustrating for quick layering. Acrylics dry quickly, allowing for rapid layering and the ability to combine them with other media, making them more versatile for building and excavating layers.
Layering can feel like a lot of work, especially when initial layers are covered up. It can also feel ill-considered and leave too much to chance, making it challenging to maintain control over the painting. However, it can also lead to surprising and rewarding results.
Intuition plays a crucial role in layering by guiding the artist to make spontaneous and authentic moves. Trusting intuition can lead to unexpected and satisfying outcomes, but it also requires the artist to step back from conscious control and allow the process to unfold naturally.
Layering adds visual depth through textures and colors that emerge over time. It also contributes to intellectual depth by creating a sense of mystery and complexity, making the painting more engaging and thought-provoking.
Practical challenges include managing the quick drying time, ensuring layers are well-planned, and balancing the risk of covering up good elements. It also requires a conscious approach to avoid over-layering and losing the initial spontaneity and energy of the painting.
Do you love the process of building up layers in your painting? Or perhaps you're wondering why layering is necessary and feeling frustrated with how long your paintings are taking you.
Today we are talking all things layering; from glazing to different substrates. Even if this isn't the way you work, they'll be something her for you as we veer into your role as an artist to orchestrate your painting or to follow your intuition.
Is layering the ultimate way to learn to 'let go'...?
Mentioned
Alice's paintings in 'The Essence' show at The Sanctuary Gallery www.thesanctuarygallery.com)
Carol Marine 'Daily Painting' book)
Find Alice Sheridan at:
@alicesheridanstudio)
Find more about Louise Fletcher:
@louisefletcher_art)
Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License