BLOGART Final Lesson (NO.6) In this series.

Start filling in the background you have selected. Be as precise as you can though freehand is better than ruled. Select a colour to blend with your figure and smudge in the pastel.

The effect that Paul Gauguin has achieved is through use of contrast which is known as Complimentary Colouring. That is the contrast between the red and green actually compliment each other.

In the next sequence of the work you can see how this is achieved.

The red and orange pattern are Complimentary and excite the eye of the observer.

You are now ready to shade the figure a little more aggressively searching the original photo for light and shadows.

The work can be finalised with contrasting whites and darker shades.

Remember, although you are copying a photo it is a creative exercise and you are in control, so be expressive and feel free to experiment with your individuality. While you are aiming at pleasing the eye and expressing your creativity, remember that a work of art is also about the ART or putting it another way, your expertise.

An artist must show competency and ability as well as creativity.

The Creation of Adam on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, by Michaelangelo is an example of great art, creative, imaginative and extremely competent. Michaelangelo's ability to represent the human form is legendary. His depiction of the male body is unsurpassed, yet fluid and sensual in expression and entirely pleasing. The figures are alive and the work is creative too.

You may have started this project on paper in which case your end result will not have much texture. However you can still project a contrasting image and develop a really lovely finished work full of light and shade, colour and contrasts.

Above is the finished work on paper. To get contrasting dark tones, you will note I've employed deeper tones of reds and purples. Black can be rather dull and dead.

Oranges, beiges, yellows and creams enhance the whites.

Here is the finished work on canvas.

It has texture and is softer but none the less pleasing.

It's all a matter of taste and what you wish to achieve.

Good luck with your projects and remember:-

I am available to give personal instruction in my Prahran studio.

You can contact me on 0417 566 276.