Fireworks 2

Artists' Gallery

Background Darks

Here is the beginning of the shaded areas of the picture. Dark colors are vital to all paintings. They give depth, create feeling, and punctuate the future highlights. I have had paintings that just didn’t “pop,” and that’s usually what the problem was. You should also use the darks to create general patterns and paths through the painting, especially in foliage like this, which I haven’t done very well so far. Remember, this is only my second large canvas to paint!