The above two paintings are demonstrations for an examination of chromatic and tonal construction. Each painting was resolved with a warm/cool palette on a toned ground. The palette in the portrait is transparent earth orange, noir froid with a mixed white (titanium & flake). The palette in the cast of Homer is transparent earth orange, atrament black, and a mixed white. In both examples, the toned ground was an acrylic "faded denim" ground. The aim of this exercise is to introduce the student to illusionistic construction of the chiaroscuro and chromatic development.

Demo. for Head Structure, 11" x 8.5", oil on paper, 2005.

Demo. for Head Structure, 11" x 8.5, oil on linen, 2006.

Similar in aim to the first two paintings, the above two one-hour demonstrations are done with a limited earth palette. An earth yellow, earth orange, earth red, an earth blue, and white on a mid-toned ground. This palette is a very good means to introduce students to atmospheric depiction.

Copyright 2008 Patrick Connors