Many people struggle to get realistic-looking objects when they first learn to paint. Watch and learn from Lowell as he creates his vase and you will be pleased to see your paintings come to life!

Key Points to Consider:

• Lowell creates a template out of cardboard.
• He folds the cardboard in half before he cuts it out to ensure symmetry.
• He traces around the template to create a guide to follow. Notice he places the vase off-center on the canvas.
• A thin coat of Magic Clear is on the canvas.
• Lowell is using the Alexander Bristle Brush.
• He uses Alexander Ivory Black and Permanent Red to begin.
• He starts on the left (the shadowy side) and makes a wide dark band, following the contour of the vase. Notice he doesn’t start at the very top of the line.
• Take your time and try to stay inside the lines (remember Lowell had to hurry because he had so little time). Normally we won’t suggest you stay in the lines but this is a time we will.
• If you want to make your vase shorter, just cut it off from the bottom.
• The darkest part of the vase will be on the left side (as you face the canvas). When Lowell adds the dark area around the outside on the right, he makes the band thinner. This technique creates the correct allusion for the light source.
• Lowell makes the color brighter by adding Permanent Red. He overlaps the stroke always keeping the dark towards the outside of the vase.
• He blends as he goes.
• Sometimes he cleans his brush out before he adds more Permanent Red.
• (Remember, we don’t suggest you use paint thinner. While you are painting, just use an “art wipe” (baby wipe). So much less mess and safer!
• Alexander Hake Brush is a soft (goat hair) brush that is wonderful for blending. Notice Lowell uses a soft touch and wipes off the paint that he picks up from the canvas. This prevents him from polluting the lighter areas with dark paint.
• He adds the highlight using the Alexander Filbert Brush and Titanium White with a touch of Yellow Ochre. He applies a lot of pressure to begin and lessens up as he moves down the canvas.

Just by changing colors and blending thoroughly, Lowell has created a vase that looks round. Have you noticed a pattern? Always, always establish your light source and then paint accordingly!

Happy Painting!

Laurie and Dawn

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