How to achieve pattern and detail

How to Achieve Pattern and Detail

We've spent a lot of time on how best to create the illusion of form within your painting, which is an incredibly important building block for learning the next skill; adding in pattern.

Painting Pattern and Detail

The key to adding pattern and detail to your painting is always building up a really solid form first - a technique we've practised extensively throughout this course.

I'll be using a conference pear to demonstrate how to incorporate pattern within your painting; I would recommend choosing a small one with a nice stalk.

Capturing a Conference Pear

Step 1

Position your specimen and draw its outline onto a piece of paper. Rub away the pencil marks until they are faint.

Step 2

Mix a pale green, and apply it all over your pear and stalk - remember to keep your highlight zones paler and build up areas of shadow on the right side and around the edges. Maintain a dry brush, and work in sections to avoid getting your paper too wet.

Step 3

Red can be used to create darker areas, while light washes of pale yellow can lift areas that you want to read brighter.

Step 4

Create depth within the stalk by adding areas of Burnt Umber and Burnt Sienna to your pale green wash.

Step 5

Once you have created a really solid form, you're ready to add in the detail. Start by applying a very pale brown, and gradually build up to darker hues in the more shaded areas.

• Don't be afraid to manipulate what you are seeing in order to create a more pleasing painting. For example, you want to avoid any heavy areas of detail within your highlight zone - so either ignore these, or adjust their placement.
• First add detail to the darker side of your painting, as it's easier to rectify should you go wrong.
• Have a go at adding dots with a really dry brush.
• Painting pattern and detail can be a slow process, so be patient and allow yourself plenty of time.