Many times when I do an oil painting, I don't draw at all.  I begin with a thin layer of paint and mineral spirits over the entire surface, then lift the shapes with a brush or tissue and mineral spirits to create a basic value underpainting.  I begin using one color, applying it very thinly to create more values. Gradually I begin to add more colors. I try to keep very loose at this stage, blocking in shapes with colors.  As the painting progresses, I increase the attention to detail, having to keep alert not to overdo the details. Since I usually work from photographs, this is very important. I often have between 4-10 photos to refer to for one painting.

When I begin a watercolor, first I do a simple line drawing and transfer it to the watercolor paper. Then I improve on the drawing, especially the more important details.  If there will be white areas, I may apply frisket to these areas next, after taping the paper to a board.

Next I often do an underpainting that consists of pouring or painting wet-in-wet primary colors. Sometimes I create a monochromatic blue value study as an underpainting, gradually adding the other two primary colors. Then I may add more frisket to save some of the underpainting. Sometimes I will add texture to the background with plastic wrap applied to wet paint, allowed to dry, and then removed. After that I continue to paint, working from light to dark. I often use many layers to achieve the colors I want, mingling wet colors together on the paper.

I am continually trying various papers to find the best one to hold up under many applications of frisket. Using frisket this way reminds me of batik techniques, and I often use transparent, air-brush acrylic inks for the process. I welcome any suggestions for paper or board that lends itself to a lot of frisket application.

To learn where my paintings are available, please visit my "where to buy" page. If you see a painting you like, click on the image to see a larger image and to find out more about it.

I hope you will browse through my paintings and let me know what you think. My email address is  laveta_artist@hotmail.com. Sometimes when I receive unknown mail it goes into my junk mail file, so if you don't receive a reply from me within 2-3 days, please try again!  Sorry for any inconvenience.

To learn about classes I am offering, please see my page on classes and workshops. I also offer private classes upon request.

Thank you for taking the time to read through these comments!

Kathy Hill

P.S. For more of my comments about my work, see my page Paintings of the Spanish Peaks

Enjoy!