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The highlight of the blue
The highlight of the blue needs to be done in three different steps and sometimes, at the end, it is necessary to retrace the lines of the feathers. The colour is composed of cobalt blue with a small point of viridian. Be careful not to add too much cobalt blue: in order for the mixture to remain transparent once applied, the quantity must be quite small.
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The first operation consists in highlighting slightly the area bordering the ochre feathers and the folds of the garment. This highlight area will be larger than the area for the white final lights, but it must be subdued and progressive – there shouldn't be too much contrast with the white. To the basic colour – cobalt blue and viridian – add a point of white lead (or white zinc?) and do some testing until you find the tone that goes best with the basic colour. The colour should be quite liquid and can be applied using the puddle technique. Repeat on the folds of the garment... |
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The colour of the second highlight is obtained by adding a small point of titanium white to the preceding mixture. The colour has to be drier than for the first highlight and can be applied with the brushing technique. Reduce considerably the highlight area. |
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The colour of the last highlight is obtained adding almost pure titanium white to the preceding mixture – with a point of cobalt blue – and is applied almost dry like the highlight lines previously applied on a face. It is important to have a good look at the positioning of these highlights on the big size drawing below before starting your work... |
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When the highlights are completely dry, retrace the lines of the feathers with a dark blue colour composed of ultramarine blue, viridian and a point of burnt umber (or black). Trace very precise lines using the technique of the downstrokes and the upstrokes to properly express the feathers' movement... |
