Focusing on Backgrounds
Backgrounds are a major element to a painting's success but something people are tempted to give little or no attention to.
During thee arrangement process, I will already have chosen a background that will complement the subject matter in the composition. I won't attempt to decide on or invent a background later. In a direct painting method, there will be indications of background established as I work the edges where the objects come up against it -- just putting down what I see immediately behind the object and not paying attention to the background as a whole. Once I have the center of interest established, I have a lot of information as to how I'll proceed with the rest of the painting. My next objective is to make all of the other areas interesting without having them compete with the story of the painting --- so, interesting, but without commanding equal attention. This can involve pushing colors/values in a subtle way or varying the paint application. Alternating transparent to opaque areas can also be really helpful.
“My [next] objective is to make all of the other areas interesting without having them compete with the story of the painting ”
Once I've made most of the careful observations that will enable me to make decisions quickly, the background usually is brushed in fairly spontaneously, taking cues from the brushwork and color notes established in the painting already. It's not easy to get into this mindset of letting go with the careful work that proceeded it, but being able to trust what I have on my canvas already is the key to making it work. Usually, that spontaneity produces more than enough added interest. At that point, I'll either leave it as is or stand back and carefully decide what areas to soften or play down. Occasionally though I will decide the painting needs something more to bring it together and end up adding some color or texture to the background.
This blog post came directly from Laura Robb herself, on her blog here. If you want to learn from Laura on topics like this and more, find her options below: