Comments on: The Benefits Of Doing Thumbnails!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 17:04:22 +0000

In reply to Judy.

Thanks Judy for sharing your method.
I wasn’t taught to do thumbnails either. I’d heard about them but couldn’t be bothered. But after taking a workshop with Doug Dawson and then a couple years later with Sally Strand, I was convinced and took them on whole heartedly for all the benefits they bring!!

By: Judy

Judy — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:14:08 +0000

In reply to Marilee Means. I was not taught to do thumb nails. I sketch a rough outline on my 9x12 paper in charcoal which is easy to erase. I usually draw lines on my original picture (dividing the pictures into 1/3rds both horizontally and vertically on both the original picture and my drawing paper). That helps me keep my perspective in my drawing.

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 02:05:42 +0000

In reply to Melanie. You got it Melanie!! And so glad to hear that you do create thumbnails and swatches and plan a bit before jumping in right away. Colour, mark-making, and just getting into the good stuff, they all call loudly don't they?!

By: Melanie

Melanie — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:39:42 +0000

Hi Gail,
ooopsie…. I usually do a few thumbnails and colour swatches and study, but the last few paintings I’ve done I have just jumped right in. The current one I have started with a rough sketch and although there are problems not yet solved I was tempted to just start the painting.
I am so glad I read this before developing a bad habit. The time taken to plan a painting is precious and it is part of the process. It is tempting to get paint on the canvas to appear productive., but the reward for planning will be visible at the end.

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:21:21 +0000

In reply to Joe Porretta.

Hi Joe, thank for your comment and question…I think my answer to you would be, if you draw pretty well then why not take your thumbnail and then draw it up on paper and go directly to your colour scheme (rather than the whole photocopy palavah). I’m always encouraging away-from-reality colour schemes so if you can stick with the VALUE pattern and can see the colours in values, then experiment away!!
(If I haven’t “got” what you’re saying, please let me know!

By: Joe Porretta

Joe Porretta — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:11:57 +0000

It seems like a three fold process. As a color blind artist, I would make a thumbnail with a marker, make a black & white drawing (I seem to draw fairly well), photocopy (not redraw), and paint over (with my own color scheme) the B&W photocopy. Does this make any sense. It just seems to take the pressure off to produce the “right” colors.

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Thu, 14 May 2020 22:28:27 +0000

In reply to Trish. Ahhhh yes. In the thumbnail, you're trying to do all the 'heavy lifting' before you get into your actual piece. They are small and once you have a strong design, it's worth sticking to it!!

By: Trish

Trish — Wed, 13 May 2020 15:37:51 +0000

In reply to Nancy. I think I'm going to try out thumbnails. I do tend to change my mind at times trying to arrange a drawing and end up erasing a lot.

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 23:37:48 +0000

In reply to clarissaj emery. Whoo hoo Clarissa!! I'm soooo glad to hear that (as I am sure will your son!). Now go do some thumbnails and then follow what you've created as you go through the painting process.

By: clarissaj emery

clarissaj emery — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 13:59:12 +0000

you have convinced me, my son, who is a professional painter has been telling me to do thumbnail sketches for years, you have brought it home to me. a million thanks