A lot of thought and exploration goes into developing a series of paintings for an art exhibition.
Today, this has been a topic of conversation between my good friend and fellow artist, Shanna Kunz and me. This weekend, Shanna and I are exhibiting together in an all women art show, “8 Broad Brush Stokes”. (Come see us in Utah, November 16-17).
Shanna and I love to talk ‘shop’ when we are together. Today, we have been discussing the importance of producing a cohesive body of paintings for each of our upcoming winter exhibitions.
Shanna and Lori in Maine in October
I was really impressed with Shanna’s clear 10 step approach to developing a series of exhibition paintings. Shanna is a landscape painter, but these steps could be applied toward any painting subject.
One
The first step is to decided upon a theme.
For example: For a landscape painter, the theme might be a regional location, or a season, or you might choose to focus on abstraction, or paint quality.
Two
Next, it is important to plan the shape and sizes of your paintings. There is an emotional connotation attached to different formats.
- Horizontal = peaceful
- Vertical = majestic, active
- Square = risky, contemporary
- Standard = traditional
Three
Choose subject matter from images and/or sketches that ‘speak’ to you. Shanna likes to use her computer to set-up miniature thumbnail landscape images to help her choose her reference material.
Four
The next step is to create value thumbnail sketches. Simplify the composition into 4-5 values, paying special attention to patterns and spatial relationships. Be aware how the view enters a painting.
Five
Once the composition is chosen, it is time to choose the palette combination.
Six
Now that the palette of colors is chosen, the next step is to decide upon how to ‘key’ the painting. Will the painting be a high-key painting that is primarily lighter values, or mid range, or low-key with darker values? These are important decisions to consider.
Seven
What message are you trying to convey to the viewer? What is your focal point? It might be a single tree, a shape, or even a color. But, everything else will be subordinate to this focal point.
Eight
Once the painting is completed, put it away. Turn it to the wall for a few days. Then, reevaluate the painting, tweak it and make the necessary changes.
Nine
Framing is next. The frame is a continuation of the painting and the message. It is important to compliment the painting without distracting from it. The whole series of paintings should be framed consistently with small variations.
Ten
Lastly, once the whole series of paintings is framed, double-check and look at the series of paintings as a whole. Make sure you are happy with the group before your exhibition!
Good luck!
PS. Do YOU ever work in a series? Do YOU have any tips to add to this post? Please add your comments…
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About Lori McNee
I’ve been working with the moon and the monarch butterfly lately. My approach is to start all the paintings at the same time, reference and sketches in hand, and see where it goes. I find what I learn in every painting ripples across to the next ones.
Hello Katana, yes it is amazing how those creative juices get flowing once we get going!
Cheers,
Lori
I am preparing artwork for a show in the future and have created a website so that I may direct prospective galleries to take a look. If anyone has suggestions–ways to improve it, what to add, and so forth–please let me know.
Thanks a million.
Chuck
http://ChuckStaley.com
Thanks, Lori.
I work primarily in a thematic series. Call me a “serial artist”
While each piece is interconnected to tell a much larger, more complex tale I feel it’s important that each work can also stand on its own to communicate its own individual message. I also tho k it’s important to involve the viewer in my work. I’m always asking myself “what am I trying to get OUT of the work and what am I trying to communicate THROUGH the work.” I hope this helps.
Hope this helps! You can view my series work on my website and see the latest for #MobWives Toni Marie Ricci on twitter @mbellart
Hello Michael,
Yes, your input does help! Great addition to the post. I know you from Twitter and it is fun to see you here. I am working on a series for my March show right now, and I am really enjoying the process.
Thanks for stopping by,
Lori
Thank you Lori and Shanna for the great article! I really like the ten steps and will apply them for my next paintings.
I have one question regarding the shapes – I would like to have series with paintings of different sizes and shapes. Do you think that is fine or should a series of paintings be for any reason just one shape?
Hello Radka,
That is a valid question. There of course are no hard ‘rules’ to this, and a lot has to do with your personal taste, gallery space and pocket book. I have seen many shows where artists focus on one shape, like squares. That can be very cool, but I think it is practical to mix it up for possible collectors.
Hope that helps!
Lori
Thank you Lori for your answer!
You are welcome!
Thanks for this great work flow. I am always challenged to make a fourth piece similar to the first three….etc. however, I am looking forward to my show opening on Dec. 6. And do believe it will be a cohesive work. Thanks, again!
Good luck with you show! Thanks for stopping by.
Lori
Great article. I am a glass artist but still benefit from your tips. Would you happen to have a similar article targeting non-painters?
Hello Dafne,
No I don’t have one for non-painters, but I can ask a friend to help! I will get back to you on this.
