Welcome to Polly's Blog

Welcome to Polly's Blog
Watercolour, humour, this and that

Thursday 3 July 2014

HINT FOR PLACING PEOPLE

In case you haven't tried this idea, here is what I do sometimes when wondering where and how big to place people in a painting.

I often use a piece of acetate or see through plastic.  Drawing with a water soluble pen, or wax crayon I draw several sizes of people and then move them around the painting to see where they look most suitable. 

Simple idea but very effective.

This is a small piece of acetate, to show you how I used this idea on my recent Scotland painting. I do have a larger sheet.  If you use crayons you can also try different colours

This can be other things too, eg boats, trees etc

 I should have put the man in red on the right somewhere, but for now he is staying where he is.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

16 comments:

  1. Dear Polly - super idea - one that I will try - thank you so much. Hope you are having a wonderful start to July!

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    1. Glad you like the tip. It's a pleasure to pass ideas on. Have a lovely weekend.

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  2. Thanks for the tip .... as a self taught beginner from books, I'll certainly be a bit more adventurous and use your tip. Enjoy your weekend where you are.

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    1. Hope it helps. It gave me more confidence to put people in paintings. Thanks for your visit

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  3. Great tip!!! It works for placing other objects too.

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    1. I've used it for all sorts, but mainly people. Have a great weekend

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  4. Ingenious! Thanks for the tip Polly, I'll sure try it soon. Your waterpainting is fine .
    I feel your personnage is a viewer, just like me, entering the painting and admiring the fabulous scenery. Bye now.

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    1. It's a great tip and has come in handy many times. Have a great weekend.

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  5. Fab tip Polly. Lovely landscape.

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  6. Dear Polly, the simplest ideas are the most effective! Just as you show us in your post.
    A beautiful watercolor where red sweater of the character attracts the eyes in the calm atmosphere of the place.

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    1. It's nice to help people. I am glad you like the the man in red. It is a beautiful place apart from the midges!!

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  7. Dear genius Polly, what a marvelous idea you share with us!! The painting and its washes are lovely, too. Keep up wonderful work. Best wishes, Sadami

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    1. Thank you Sadami. You are so busy it is good of you to visit my blog.

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  8. This is brilliant! Thank you for sharing.

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    1. It's a pleasure to pass on my tip. Thank you Ann

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