Carole Russell Art Weblog

My commission of the Taj Mahal is nearing it’s conclusion, right out of the blue, and that’s usually how it happens with me – I paint away, trying my best to get all the bits and pieces to work and suddenly I realise there is not much more left to do, this is when I have to stop myself from going over bits that are already ok – and usually ruin them!

Today at 4.50 GMT I stopped, put my paints away (this stops me from making random adjustments that are not always necessary), made myself a cup of tea and sat in front of my painting whilst I drank it.

The only thing I need at this point is a neutral eye and a note pad and pen.

Slowly I check all the areas of my painting – with a reference photo close at hand. I squint, to check for correct shading and shadows, I look at individual areas of detail and also make sure I look at the painting as a whole.

How does it look?
Does everything look right together?
Does the shading tell the viewer what shape everything is?
Do all the colours add up to the right effect?

My list is as follows
1. Adjust the shadow of the secondary dome – it’s not quite the right shape
2. One of the lines on the face of the temple looks out of line with the rest – adjust
3. The shadow cast by the couple I have painted needs to be just a bit darker
4. Increase the depth of colour along the shaded part of the wall

Not too much to do and I have the weekend to look at it at my leisure to make sure there is nothing else – and I can’t alter anything because all my paint and brushes have been put away.

Now…………………………..
What is my next project going to be……………………….