Wait for me Dad!

Marilyn’s grandson Joseph is the inspiration for this artwork. He’s pictured with his Dad, fishing at Nudgee Beach.

- Marilyn Murray

STEP ONE

I have chosen to do this demonstration from a photograph I took of my beloved grandson Joseph when he went fishing with his Dad at Nudgee Beach outside Brisbane. As we were visitors to Brisbane, we were unaware of the fishing restriction at Nudgee Beach – it is a good thing that no fish were caught!!

I liked Joseph on the left side of the photo, but needed him to be running into the picture, so I have reversed the image using Microsoft Office Picture Manager. I have then moved him to the left side of the page and his Dad to the right so that they are looking towards each other and into the picture instead of out.

Once the positioning is sorted, I draw up a sketch. I first draw a line about 1.5cm around the edge of the paper to allow for framing. (If this is not allowed for, some of the vital elements of the painting could be compromised when framed). I use the original photo for the background, then, using the reversed image, I measure both figures carefully and sketch them into their new positions. I also decide to shorten Joseph’s shorts to allow for some extra skin colour at the water level.

MATERIALS

• A3 Sketch Paper

• A3 160 gsm Canson Mid Blue Mi-Teints Pastel Paper

• Art Spectrum Pastels: Raw Umber, Aqua Marine Blue, Titanium White

• Rembrandt Pastels: Ultramarine Deep, Prussian Blue, Ultramarine Light, Light Oxide Red, Permanent Red

• Faber Castel Pastels: Dark Indigo, Pink Madder Lake, Cobalt Turquoise, Light Green

• Light coloured pastel pencil

• Blue Painter’s Tape which is removable and will not damage the paper.

• Micador Fixative Workable Mat

• Small soft brush

STEP TWO