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Anatomy of a Painting from Start to Finish | Kathy McNenly

FIRST THE SET UP

I usually start off with an object in mind to paint. I borrowed a
teapot from Eileen Hennemann, which I was keen to use in a still life. I loved the round shape and the reflective quality. I then form a theme. In this case a complimentary colour arrangement of purple and yellow would predominate and I found objects to fit that idea and then arranged them.

The set up of final composition

THE DRAWING

The first thing I do once the composition is done is begin the drawing. For me this is the most tedious part of the painting.

I want the drawing as accurate as possible before starting the painting.

Eaxct drawing and perfect ellipsis are critical.

THE UNDERPAINTING

There are different approaches to oil painting. When I do more complex compositions I use an underpainting. That is a thin prepatory layer that will get covered up. It can be monochromatic or full colour. I chose a more complex under-painting for this piece. I find it easier to follow, when working on reflective objects such as silver. The finished under-painting gives an impression of what the final painting will look like. It is also like a dry run, allowing me to know all the colour mixtures before the pass of full paint.

An impression of what’s to come…

FIRST FULL PASS

After the underpainting, I do a basic form pass. I am not after a finish yet. But I am setting myself up for all the details in the next pass. I do not yet have the darkest darks or the lightest lights.

Actors in place - next: Lights, Darks! Action!

FINAL PASS

At this stage I will keep pushing the details by adding more information to the forms. I push the highlights as light as I can and glaze the darks to get more depth. I will sometimes paint up to 4 or 5 layers depending on the objects. The painting will now dry for a couple of months before it is varnished. The varnish will even out all the areas of the surface and make the paint look more fresh.

Katherine McNenly

The completed painting will now dry a few months before varnish is applied.

Allan Stanley2025