About the Painter’s Technique – Layering of Color over Color

 Alita naturally enjoys blending her knowledge and love of the outdoors, plants and nature with her passion for painting. Her bold floral and landscape paintings are done using a technique of layering color over color.

“I discovered this process of layering paint quite by accident one time when I wasn’t quite happy with the background on one of my floral paintings. After painting shades of red over the previous green and black background I realized the subtle and pleasing effects the color underneath had on the layer above. Over time, I’ve developed a method to the process and it generally starts with a dark color such as a purple, red or black in the background.  I then add layers of color – some translucent, some opaque – depending on the results I’m looking for. Allowing each layer to thoroughly dry before painting the next, I continue, usually working from dark to light until I achieve the desired effect - applying up to 6 layers of color.”

Examples of work in progress using Color Layering Technique:

'Summer Sunflower'

1. First I roughly outline the image, the border frame, and the background with dark colors using black, purple and blue. At this point I'm working to achieve an interesting and appealing balance between the image and the background or negative space. I'm also forming the basic values of light and dark throughout the piece. Here is where I enjoy overlapping elements over the painted frame - in this case a few flower petals and portions of the leaves which will add dimension.  

2. Second, after allowing for drying time, I work in the petals of the flower with the mid and light tones of oranges, yellows and whites, working from dark to light. I work right over the previous colors - always being careful to leave portions of the previous color showing through. I also add the base color for the leaves and stem. By using red paint as a base for areas of the painting that will be green, I'm using the principle of "complimentary colors" (opposite on the color wheel).  This has an effect of adding depth and creates a pop of color between the compliments where I leave portions of the red showing.

3. Next I add the greens and blues in the leaves and stem, being careful to leave portions of the purple (the veins and edges of the leaves)and red where I want the colors to pop. I also start to add the detail of the flower's center by applying many layered "dots" of color in reds, oranges and yellows. I then mask off the black frame border to keep a crisp line as I work in the background with swirled layers of reds and oranges keeping the general tonal quality from light at the top to darker shades at the bottom of the canvas. This shading adds interest as well as grounds the piece. The swirls add movement and a bit of whimsy.

4. Lastly, I add the finishing touches to the flower center in shades of green dots of paint, leaving some of the reds and purples to show through. I remove the masking at the border and apply a second coat of black and an outer rim of red to the frame. Many layers later - "Voila!" - The piece is complete!

“Pajaro River Reflections”

starting w / a base of black, red and purple....

and layering blues, greens and yellows over the darker colors until desired effects are achieved. ...