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Top Photo Credit: Original Acrylic Painting titled, “Back Field Trees” by Linda Blondheim. (This painting has been sold.)
Guest Blogger: Linda Blondheim.
Aerial perspective, or what I refer to as atmospheric quality is a big part of my focus as a landscape painter. I have painted on location for close to 20 years and observation and use of atmospherics has really been important to create authenticity to my paintings.
When I first started with acrylics, the biggest hurdle for me was my long history as an oil painter. I could not get the acrylics to behave in an oil like fashion. The acrylics were hard edged throughout the painting. They had a plastic, thin look to them which frustrated me to no end.
My major breakthrough was the discovery of glazing with glazing medium. I was able to soften edgework all over the painting if I wished to, but especially in distant vistas.
I have studied this process for the last two years and have improved my acrylic work substantially. One of the biggest discoveries was how well the over glazing works in distant tree masses and in sky and cloud work.
The secret for me is to add a bit of white to whatever glazing color I am using in the sky or distant land mass, using a large proportion of glazing medium.
Going along the edges in the painting quickly softens them. Using this glaze to cover areas entirely will push them back into the distance, popping forward areas I wish to feature.
In the sky, I may want to use sophisticated and refined cloud masses, but will not want them to dominate the trees or land mass.
I can simply mix a lighter glaze and cover the entire cloud masses with this glaze, allowing them to soften and become less dominant.
Glazing can also neutralize by using compliment glazes in areas of color you wish to cut the intensity.
I use Old Holland and Stephen Quiller acrylic brands and Golden Gloss glazing medium for all of my paintings. They are painted on birch or maple 5/8 inch thick panels.
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Article Written by Guest Blogger Linda Blondheim.
Contact this artist:
Web Site- http://www.lindablondheim.com
Blog- http://lindablondheimartnotes.blogspot.com
E-Classes- http://www.lindablondheim.com/publications.php
Email- lindablondheim@gmail.com
Excellent post from such an accomplished acrylic artist.
Linda, as you know, I love your work. I have experimented with acrylics using thin layers of glazing which I just happened to find out-worked best. I must try your techniques. Your work is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!You are an amazing artist! Ann Harrell
Ann and Jean,
Thank you both so much for the lovely comments. You made my day!
Love,
Linda