Monday, February 13, 2012

Where's the Red?



6 inch X 9 inch oil on canvas sheet

I'm still enjoying trying to learn painting landscapes. I remember reading on someone's blog (I'd like to give credit, but I read so many I don't remember) about landscape classes he was taking.  His teacher's mantra was "where's the red?".   His point was that a landscape painting was dull and lifeless without the addition of some red to act as a counterpoint to all the greens.

I have found that to be true.  I add alizarin crimson to the shadows, and burnt sienna and even cad red light to highlights.  Those few strokes can bring a dull area to life.


22 comments:

  1. Lovely! The red does make a difference and I will remember that when I next paint a landscape. Thanks for the tip!

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  2. Love this one- just peaceful and gorgeous. Very stately:) Agree about the red- need that compliment to let the greens shine a bit. Wonderful job on all these and I am proud of you for tackling these.

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  3. Wonderful painting. That is a very interesting insight. I guess the same would go for watercolors. Makes sense because red is the compliment of green that it would add energy and interest. Hmmmm learn something every day:)

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  4. Beautifully painted, Virginia!! I will remember that rule the next time I do an landscape...I imagine it would pertain to pastels as well.?!

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  5. Very nice painting Virginia. It is soft and atmospheric with a little punch of red.

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  6. I agree with the addition of red in the greens, I tend to do that also. This painting is lovely, nice work!

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  7. Super. Thanks for sharing "where's the red". Very nice work, Virginia.

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  8. The reds looks nice. And I like how you applied the paint to the path.

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  9. This is gorgeous Virginia. :))) Really it is. That tree looks alive!

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  10. Virginia, Your paintings have grown by leaps and bounds. This is stunning. Love it... Can't wait to see more.

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  11. Thanks for your comments to me Virginia! Your landscapes are looking great, you have a nice soft touch!

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  12. A lovely painting and your thoughts on reds are such a good reminder-excellent!

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  13. Nicely done. Sometimes I paint on red canvas and let bits peek thru

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  14. This is a beautiful, ethereal painting - and I love what the reds to do a landscape! Nice work, Virginia!

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  15. This is a beautiful painting and i feel I would love to wander along that path.

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  16. Wow Virginia I think you've found your niche!! The tree brushstrokes and colours in the tree or so well done and your atmospheric perspective in the distant hills is perfect! You are really evolving as an artist. And I like the "where's the red tip".

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  17. Lovely painting! You're right red does make a difference.I always add red in my green mixtures. You may not always see it but red is always there.

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  18. Lovely landscape Virginia. You are right about the red. I think you've figured it out!

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  19. Hi Virginia! Good Work!!! Yes I am learning landscape now too and everything else! Yes red so critical! I am trying to see all the colors in each area, it is very complex. I am also trying to employ the large look so as to not bet caught up in too much detail.

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  20. Hi Virginia! Good Work!!! Yes I am learning landscape now too and everything else! Yes red so critical! I am trying to see all the colors in each area, it is very complex. I am also trying to employ the large look so as to not bet caught up in too much detail.

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  21. It wasn't I, but I agree. You have to have a compliment to make the colors vibrate.
    Blue, needs orange. Violet needs yellow.
    These paintings after KM are well done.

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