My backgrounds are often intuitively painted first, naturally becoming the foundation for showcasing the main subject. However, they’re not always set in stone—backgrounds can be altered if they start to overpower the primary subject or create unintended visual tension.
One of the biggest challenges in painting is achieving harmony between elements. Sometimes, a background that initially feels right may later compete with or diminish the impact of the subject. Other times, colors that seemed balanced in the early stages may create disharmony as the painting progresses. When these conflicts arise, I rely on what I call the Painting Partnership Team (PPT).
A perfect example of this technique is my artwork Callery Pear, found in the Other Plants gallery. Originally, I painted the background a darker shade of aquamarine. However, I soon realized that it was overshadowing the delicate white flowers rather than enhancing them. This is where PPT came into play. By adjusting the aquamarine to a lighter shade, I was able to restore balance, allowing both elements to work together harmoniously rather than competing for attention.
The PPT technique helps me resolve conflicts by ensuring that multiple elements in a painting hold equal value, fostering unity rather than competition. Whether it’s color intensity, contrast, or compositional weight, I use this approach to fine-tune relationships within the artwork, transforming individual components into a cohesive and visually pleasing composition.
Every painting presents its own set of challenges, but learning to navigate these conflicts is what makes the process so rewarding. The key is to remain flexible, recognizing when an adjustment is needed to create a truly harmonious piece.
Thank you to: BH Staiger White! Light! Bright!
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Peace and love. Russ Myers