Insights
Patience
I have been working on a large portrait which is several months from being finished. What I have come to realize is that one must be very patient. After an initial layout, work begins on small areas keeping true to the overall values and shapes of the original layout....
Creating the Composition
Always have a digital camera available to catch those images that stir creative energies. The opportunities are endless. By converting my digital photos to black and white, I have the ability to create a strong composition and focus on the emotional message for the...
Seeing Values
Often stated, if the values are right, the hue is unimportant. This is so true. Squint, squint, squint to see the values. A grey scale of ten values is my trusty companion. Ten oil colors from dark to light values might be ivory black, dioxazine violet, burnt sienna,...
Playing With Color – Creating a New Palette
Whenever a new painting is started, there is an opportunity to play with new colors. Usually a cool red, blue and yellow and a warm red, blue and yellow form the base with white and black. One color will dominate. Mixed with its compliment, it should give the needed...
Welcome
During this journey as an artist, I realize there is much worth sharing. With the launch of my new website, Alana Knuff Fine Art, I now have a forum upon which to communicate to you my thoughts - what inspires my work, lessons learned and insights into the world of...