The Master at work - Part Two - Alex Fong

I can now reveal the little study that Alex Fong did during his demo. It is a Burrowing Owl and one lucky attendee (not me) got to take it home! During the demo he also painted part of a landscape and many samples.

To continue from Part One ...

PAINTING TECHNIQUE

There is science in watercolor:

It will dry 25% - 50% lighter so make sure you have it dark enough in the beginning. Some colors get much lighter than others as they dry, so you have to compensate by making them richer. This comes with experience

To soften edges there are two techniques, (i) Paint the color and then add water to it on the paper, or (ii) Paint with water and then add color. Both work well but the latter tends to be more diluted.

You can also add another color to wet areas to darken, dull or enrich, such as Alizarin Crimson to Cadmium Red. And also while the area is still wet you can add more detail. (All the while Alex is going back and forth to his reservoirs and palette for either clean water or greying colors, as well as new thick color from the bottom of his milk cartons.

"Complimentary colors will grey but similar colors will enrich."

Complementaries grey each other; eg blue is a greying agent to yellow. This also works in creating dot highlights; iridescent pink compliments green leaves. It's not random, but considered.

Alex is now on a wide but shallow landscape. He has quickly outlined his objects with graphite pencil and explains that this will be mostly covered with paint, but the odd bit that shows through the transparent pigment is interesting, not a detriment.

"Try not to leave hard edges"
If you're going to feature a hard edged object, Use the same color in thinner paint in the vicinity to echo the color. You can also add it like a halo. If you leave some white areas in the beginning, you have the option to later add some warm brights like Cadmium Deep Yellow or Cadmium Red Light to bring light into that area of the painting. Once the painting is complete, Alex goes in and adds a few hard edged details to compliment the soft edges. A very fine black Stadler permanent marker works well for this.

Another technique for bringing light into a painting is to drop in spots of Titanium White acrylic. This needs a lot of practise. Alex uses a medium round brush first dipped in a solution of liquid soap and water, which protects the brush and gives slip. The brush must be saturated with fairly thick oaint like thick cream or it will be too weak and the dits will be too big. Alex uses his brush horizontal to the surface, holding delicately between thumb and pointing finger, then tapping lightly with the forefinger. (I havent mastered this yet with any technique, but prefer the rather messy spattering with an old toothbrush. This is much less messy if I can master it).

Alex is now working on some reflections. He says it doesnt matter if they match the reflected objects, what is important is the effect. (This was an AHA moment for me because I struggle with the uncomfortable symmetry of reflections. I've started to look for and notice the lack of symmetry in master works and I think my landscapes will change because of this gem of a comment.)

TIP:- For tree trunks and legs dont paint them in, let them sit in mist. In nature there is usually grass or water to cover the roots and feet, so its much more natural to leave them to the imagination.

The final touches are Alex Fongs Chinese Chop and signature. Then three light coats of Golden UV protective spray varnish

Alex cuts large pieces of Canson Arches Board into unusual sizes and has them professionally framed, which adds to the originality of his work. He has an excellent framer who understands his needs and does a great job. As a result of using non standard originals, he ends up with many small off cuts which he uses for small studies like todays owl. In case you're in the central Okanagan, the framer is Mike Breakey (250)717-7793 at Quail Ridge: He also prints Alex Fongs giclees, adding a black edge so they are ready to stretch. They can be mailed to clients rolled or flat to save on shipping.

I hope you've enjoyed this perk at a master. I often go to demos and share what I've learned, as well as personal progress photos of my work and craft projects, so FOLLOW my blog to stay in the loop and continue to be mesmerized by the amazing world of art.