Become an advanced painter by learning this one thing

Summary

In this instructional video, Chris Fornito delves into the significance of edges in oil painting, highlighting three types: hard, soft, and broken edges. Using examples from renowned artists like John Singer Sargent and Patrick Okrinski, he demonstrates how varied edge techniques enhance the portrayal of subjects. Chris emphasizes the importance of seeing shapes over hard lines and suggests practical tips like squinting to differentiate edges. He also shares insights from his own painting process, illustrating how to achieve desired edge effects through wet-on-wet techniques and careful layering, ultimately guiding viewers towards improved painting skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding edges is crucial for becoming an advanced painter.
• 🎨 There are three main types of edges: hard edges, soft edges, and broken edges.
• 🖌️ Hard edges create strong separations in forms and colors, while soft edges suggest blending.
• 🐱 In portraits, soft edges in hair and skin help create a realistic illusion, as seen in Sargent's work.
• 🌊 Soft horizon lines in landscape painting suggest depth, contrasting with crisp edges for prominent features like waves.
• 👀 Squinting your eyes can help identify different edge qualities and improve observational skills.
• 💡 Begin painting with soft transitions and progressively add hard edges to refine your work.
• 🍏 When painting objects like apples, start with broad color blocks before detailing edges.
• 🍂 Use wet paint techniques to achieve smoother transitions between colors and textures.
• 📚 For structured learning and community support, consider joining art platforms like Patreon.

Q & A

What are the three main types of edges mentioned in the video?

The three main types of edges are hard edges, soft edges, and broken edges.

How does Chris Fornito suggest identifying different edges when painting?

He suggests squinting your eyes, which helps to lose certain edges and focus on shapes rather than objects.

What is a common mistake that students make regarding edges in their paintings?

A common mistake is using too many hard edges, often because they are working from photos where all edges appear sharp.

In the example of John Singer Sargent’s portrait, how are hard and soft edges demonstrated?

Hard edges are used to define strong features like the brow bone, while soft edges are seen in areas like the mustache and hairline, blending into the background.

What technique does Chris recommend for painting the horizon line in landscapes?

He recommends making the horizon line softer to help it recede into the background, rather than making it overly crisp and sharp.

What is the significance of using a variety of edges in a painting?

Using a variety of edges helps to portray the subject more effectively and adds depth and interest to the painting.

What is the process Chris uses to paint the apple in his tutorial?

He starts by blocking out the light and dark areas broadly, then gradually works in colors and values, focusing on soft transitions and edges.

How does Chris achieve reflections in metal objects in his paintings?

He maps out dark values first and progressively adds lighter values, using both soft and crisp edges to depict the reflective nature of the metal.

What is Chris’s advice for painting with color transitions?

He advises working wet into wet paint to create soft transitions between colors and to adjust brush pressure for desired effects.

Why does Chris encourage viewers to consider joining his Patreon page?

He promotes his Patreon page as a resource for structured learning, access to tutorials, and interaction with a community of fellow painters.