from Colley Whisson

As artists, the marks we make on our canvases are of the upmost important. These marks can be made with a brush, a palette knife, a finger, or even unusual tools like credit cards and toothbrushes. Let's talk about how to make these marks work best for us and improve our paintings.

The Importance of Shapes and Edges

One of the first things to understand is how shapes and edges affect your painting. In any picture, especially in the foreground, the way light and dark shapes interact is crucial. These contrasts not only define your painting but also guide the viewer's eye around the canvas.

For example, in the painting below, putting light shapes against dark shapes creates focal points. These focal points help control where the viewer looks first, second, and third, leading them through the painting as you intended:

Experimenting with Different Tools

Trying out different tools is key to finding new ways to make marks. Whether you use traditional tools or everyday objects, each mark you make adds to the overall story of your painting. A strong horizontal line can be balanced with small vertical marks to create a dynamic composition that moves the viewer's eye around the scene.

Balancing Detail and Unity

It's important to balance detail with unity in your painting. Too many details can overwhelm the viewer, while too few can make the painting look flat and boring. For example, using a consistent color value throughout the foreground can unify the scene, while selective highlights and shadows add depth and focus.

When painting, think about the quality of each mark. The combination of sharp and soft edges, bold and subtle marks, all contribute to the overall effect. For instance, a shadow mark against a light area can create a striking contrast that grabs the viewer's attention, while a soft, blended edge can add a sense of atmosphere and distance.

Revisiting and Reworking

Going back and reworking old paintings can be a great way to improve your mark-making skills. By looking at past works, you can find areas where the marks could be more effective and try out new techniques.

Planning and Execution

Before starting a painting, it's essential to plan where your most dynamic marks will be. Think about where you need energetic brushwork, precise edges, and subtle transitions. This planning will guide your hand and make sure each mark contributes to the painting.

To Conclude

The secret to improving your painting lies in making thoughtful marks. Plan your approach, experiment with different tools and techniques, and always be mindful of how light and dark, sharp and soft, bold and subtle interact. By mastering the art of mark-making, you can create paintings that captivate and resonate with viewers.

Colley Whisson offers a variety of platforms and methods for students and art enthusiasts to learn and interact with his techniques. Join him below: