Lining with a brush - The first layer of colour

Lining with a brush

Before lining on the board with a brush, beginners need to practice on photocopies taken from the original drawing; for example, to acquire the right movement, to find out the correct consistency of the colour mixture and attain clear features and precise gestures. The icon of the Trinity is completely transparent so any blotches of paint will remain visible once the icon is completed...

The colour mixture for the lines is made out of red ochre and a bit of yellow ochre (1/5). A good proportion of emulsion is necessary to obtain a drawing that will remain solid while applying the colour puddle.

The lines have to be drawn, always, from the iconographer towards the outside. This gives them ligthness and movement.

The first layer of colour

On one hand, the colour mixture is the same as the one used for the lines, but with a little bit more of yellow ochre. On the other hand, the quantity of emulsion is reduced to a minimum and the proportion of water increased. A puddle made with a low ratio of pigments and egg but with a good proportion of water allows the application of a very homogeneous and transparent layer. It is better to apply two light layers than only an opaque and thick one...

Apply the puddles by pushing the pigments from the clearest to the "darkest" zones of the garment. This way of making it already constitutes a sketch of the modelling. The clearest zones (or most transparent) are, in fact, the ones that will appear closer to the spectator.

Cover each part delimited by the drawing one after the other (the sleeve, the bust, the descent of the knees etc...)

After drying, if the surface seems to be powdery or muddy – apply a layer of emulsion mixed with water on the whole coloured garment in order to fix the colour. When it is entirely dry, rub slightly with the finger to remove any possible lumps from the surface...

Next step:

Drawing the right-hand angel

Click on pictures to enlarge...