Duomo Project / drawing detail by Matthew Holden Bates
Well, 18 hours later...... I finally have finished the preparatory drawing using my spolvero techniques which I described in my last enstallment. The drawing took a lot longer than I thought it would. My hand is numb. Luckily I am very pleased with the result:
Duomo Project / highly contrasted photo of the canvas
I needed to push the contrast on this photo to show you the drawing. In reality it is very hard to see the drawing on the canvas because it is so light. The transfer of the drawing through the spolvero sheet leaves a slight trace, one that does not mix with the paint later. This is the best part of this technique, well, one of the best parts, you get a perfect image to paint, without any mess.
Duomo Project / no contrast photo of the spolvero
Above is the actual state of the canvas. As you can see, the drawing is very light.
I am really excited to get started on the next phase of this painting. I have decided to paint from the bottom up. So I will be beginning soon to show you some actual painting. I feel very confident, and I am happy to have studied during the spolvero of 18 hours+ all of the details. Since I have painted many Florentine cityscapes, including the Duomo, that helps too.
This post is part of a series that is the virtual “making of” my latest project. I post new material every time there is significant progress. If you like what you see, make sure to follow me on Steemit @matteopaints so you don’t miss the progress of the project, one that is going forward very well! I look forward to reading your comments, and if you have any questions about my techniques, that’s cool too.
Until the next time!!! A Presto, Matteo