from Colley Whisson

When starting a painting, the block-in stage is crucial. This is where you sketch out the main shapes and decide how the scene will look on your canvas. Think of it like building the framework of a house—you need a strong foundation before adding all the little details.

To begin, focus on finding the big shapes in your scene. Instead of worrying about small details right away, train your eyes to see the larger forms. These big shapes help you create balance and flow in your painting. For example, you might have a few main shapes, like trees or hay bales, that are separated from each other. To make your composition work, you can connect these shapes using lines or other objects that guide the viewer’s eye. It’s not just about copying what’s in front of you; it’s about using what’s there to improve your painting.

After laying down the big shapes, you’ll then want to think about values. Getting the right contrast between dark and light is essential for making your painting feel three-dimensional. Start by blocking in the darkest areas first. Avoid adding too much white or light colors at the beginning, as it can weaken the depth of your painting. If you go too light too soon, you’ll end up with dull colors that don’t pop. Oil paints are forgiving, though—if you make something too dark, you can always lighten it later.

At this point, don’t worry too much about the exact color of things. Focus on whether they feel warm or cool, and whether they’re light or dark. This way, you’re building balance across your canvas, which is important no matter what medium you’re using.

When you move to the background or midground, think about how the viewer’s eyes will move through the painting. Avoid making your horizon line too sharp, as it can make the viewer look across the scene too quickly. Instead, aim for softer transitions and overlapping shapes to create a more engaging journey for the eyes.

Also, don’t be afraid to use bold colors in the midground during the block-in. If you go too light with your colors early on, your bright areas might end up looking flat. Starting with stronger colors gives you more room to adjust as you add more detail.

In the end, blocking in is all about setting yourself up for success. By focusing on large shapes, strong light and dark contrasts, and a balanced composition, you’re creating a solid base for your painting that will make the next steps much easier.

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