Here’s an idea for checking ellipses. When I draw out the image for ellipses I draw the cross for the major and minor axis and then draw out the ellipse connecting those points. But I don’t always get the ellipse perfect and if the ellipse is off it’s noticeable so I usually do a lot of adjusting. I just hold up the jar lid at the correct distance between me and the drawing to size it up.
I line the jar lid up with the major axis and then I tilt it to see if the ellipse I drew deviates. It’s especially useful for ellipses at an angle. It’s not perfect but it gives me an idea of what to adjust.
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Until I get to the point where I can intuitively draw them with some degree of accuracy this may be the easiest way to go.
heres one that talks about it. Forget about his angled line that he uses to segment the sides of the rectangle just make sure both the major and minor axis have the same number of sections.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6Enc_tr9SaY
I paint from life so obviously, a little nudge of a head tilt changes an ellipse. My main thing is I want the painting to read, Can you help me figure out what is wrong with my ellipse? (or anyone else so inclined) Thank you!
This is 16x12 OIl on Linen Panel (I'm in a competition this month where I paint from life every day so I'm painting at a fast clip and super busy) Something about this is off and for the life of me, .... i can't nail what it is.
here is a photo of my messy studio setup :
Horrible photos but you get the idea. My only concern is the finished painting, i want a nice, framed painting. No one will see my reference. Does the ellipse look off to you?
the blue arrow is pointing to where an ellipse is slightly wider than the opposite side.
the green arrow shows where the edge is lower than the opposite side.
the red arrow points to where there is a bit more glass than the other side.
the purple arrow points to where perhaps the reflection is leaning to the left. Should that be more vertical?
Because of how you are treating your edges what I am pointing to with the blue and green arrows is not a big deal.
overall I think your treatment of the ellipses works and I don’t see any major problems.
I give you lots of credit with doing a painting a day. That’s like running a marathon.
i read your blog on your studio setup. I wish I were so organized.
I really wish I was computer savvy like you!!! Dang.
Thank you for taking the time to help!
For doing a painting per day you certainly develop the painting to a high degree.
an example of what i was talking about! to me its done with the eye and never with rules and lines!
the painting is by @Julianna, she is doing a month long marathon type paint challenge. 👏
simple ellipse drawing.
denis