Friday, August 2, 2019

A Preliminary Study by Carl Haag

In this preliminary study for a bridal procession, Carl Haag uses the camel's eye as the vanishing point of the scene. The eye level of the viewer is drawn horizontally through that point. That line describes a plane about eight feet above the ground, approximately two feet above the heads of standing adult figures.


Sketch for the lower half of A Bridal Procession at Damascus,
Haag, Carl R.W.S (1820 - 1915), Syria (drawn) ca. 1892 (drawn)
Using pen and ink for studies is a method that goes back to the old masters. The shadow values are suggested with simple brown washes. It's a good practice because it forces you to commit to an idea and see it through.

Carl Haag, Wedding procession in Damascus
When it comes to doing the final painting, you may choose a completely different idea.
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4 comments:

  1. Bil HardenbergerAugust 2, 2019 at 9:33 AM

    I always find studies like this, cartoons from the old masters, and prelims from artists like Frazetta to be as, or even more compelling than the final art.

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  2. Pat BollinAugust 2, 2019 at 9:39 AM

    Thanks for continuing to do this blog. Sometimes it may seem like nothing but crickets when you post something, but there are still those of us out there who are enjoying and benefiting from your posts. Thanks

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  3. BevanAugust 2, 2019 at 10:39 AM

    I have read a couple of watercolor instruction books from the 1800's and they recommend this process of doing a pencil sketch, then going over the image with Sepia (or India ink) to draw in the shapes. Then diluting the sepia ink with water use it to create layered washes of ink for the shadowed areas. The formula then requires that you let the ink washes dry completely and then go over it with watercolor washes in layers as needed. Finally 'body color' or gouache to add the highlights. From this lovely preliminary sketch I can see he was taught this same method. I honestly prefer his prelim. sketch to the final.
    I have tried this method only twice and had varying results. I plan to play with it more. I was curious if you have tried this old method of watercolor painting James?

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  4. RichAugust 2, 2019 at 5:39 PM

    Something from the preliminary sketch is still recognizable in the final painting:-)

    Great "step ahead" illustrated here.

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