Photography as reference
Michael Chesley Johnson, one of my favorite painters and bloggers, wrote recently about the use of photography vs “painting from life”. It’s a really wonderful post, check it out.
Month: January 2007
Studying Greens
I admit it, I struggle with the color green. Don’t know why, just do. The first step of revovery is to admit you have a problem, right? So, as I would with any problem, I need to practice and study to fix it. This is a study in greens I did the other day. It … Read more
Every painting a lesson
Here’s the second study I did the other day in Pacific Grove using the “brush in front” technique. I think the values/colors are good, but I probably could have “pushed” it a bit more, ie, widen the value/color range. No regrets. Every painting is a lesson. Rocks & Surf (Pacific Grove) – Oil on Linen … Read more
Observation 3: Equipment Matters
“You don’t get hung up on the scalple if you’re a surgeon. You get hung up on what the scalple will do.” – Artie Shaw All group painting activities I’ve been involved in has included discussions about equipment. Everyone is always checking out everyone else’s setup. We all face too many obstacles when creating art, … Read more
Gray Day vs. Full Sun
Yes, the weatherman lied yet again. A “partly cloudy” forecast ended up some sun, with lots of fog. Oh well. In the end, I’m happy with today because comparing a painting done on a gray day with one on a sunny day is a good lesson. I’m sure you’ve heard artists say, “I paint the … Read more
Pacific Grove “Rocks & Surf”
The other day I wrote about painting with the “brush in front” technqiue. I use this to get accurate color/value. The paitning is now dry, so I was able to get a digital scan to post. These scans (I use a Cannon Scan Lidi 20, about $60!) are much more accurate than taking a digital … Read more
Telluride Acceptance Letter!
Found out today I got accepted to the prestigeous Telluride Plein Air Festival! This is just a bit intimidating. A great group of artists participated last year, including many friends such as Keith Wicks, Kevin Courter, Clark Mitchell, Charlie Muench, Paul Kratter, Barry John Raybould, and Jeanette LeGrue. See here for a list of the … Read more
Observation 2: Work in abstractions
“A good composition can be seen at a glance” – John Carlson “Things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” – Albert Einstein Great paintings have a great underlying abstract design, typically based on 3-7 large abstract shapes of value. If you’re a representational artist, don’t fool yourself: perfectly painted detail only … Read more
A fine day in Pacific Grove
Got two studies done today, here was my setup. I don’t have great photos of the two, so will post later. Today I really focused on color and value using the “brush in front” technique. Basically, I start by dip the opposite end of the brush in black and hold the brush between the me … Read more
More fresh paint from Carmel
Painted a couple of studies today. I started the morning searching for a combination of ice plant, sand and certain blue-green bushes I saw on the way here. Didn’t find them, so painted a long view just south of Rocky Point, then an ice plant study in the late afternoon. Gracie and I had a … Read more