The Making of a Surf Painting

Know Your Subject Matter.

I would like to begin with a few notes on some things I have noticed with many surf artists, especially those with less experience. Often, I observe that artists are merely copying photographs and not really studying the objects in their paintings.

No matter how 'loose', or 'tight' a style is, there are basic laws of nature, and construction of objects, that must be understood in order to create excitement in the viewer. Often this term 'looseness', is simply an excuse to dumb down photographs. To an expert on the subject, this lack of observation makes the art lack conviction.

Take your time. See how the ropes on a canoe are placed, what the real curve on a surfboard is. How does a bathing suit actually hang. How are the fingers spread during a turn. Artists are often impatient, and want the enjoyment of the final results very quickly.See John Singer Seargent. No Matter how 'loose' his creamy forms are, everything is correct. That is why he is one of the greats.

The point is, if you know a thing well enough, you are not 'faking'. This is especially true for lighting. There are formulas for creating homogeneous lighting arrangements, even in purely imaginative works. There is a lot to this knowledge, and if anyone wants to know specifics, please let COTW know, and I will do a chapter on that very thing.

One of the most common errors I see, is in the painting of Palm Trees. Quite often artists think of these trees as a bush on a stalk, and they neglect to add the branch that faces the viewer, this happens because the perspective is difficult, however it creates a tree that is unconvincing. Know your subject matter.

Enough of this for now. Lets get on to the art.


CONTINUE TO STEP TWO...

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Ron Croci {click here to view Ron's COTW profile/showcase}

Original paintings and prints can be purchased from Ron. Visit Ron's website at www.roncroci.com. Ron is also represented by Mckibben Gallery, Corona Del Mar, California and Surfing Artist International, Ocean City, New Jersey.