"Hold your brush like a sword!" and "Where's your sketch?" were two phrases that were repeated to us several times this past weekend!
I was lucky enough to participate in my first painting workshop given by a professional full time artist, Jerry Markham. Jerry is an international award winning, local artist, know for his grand Rocky Mountain landscapes. You can find more info about his work here: www.jerrymarkham.com. Jerry's guidance was entertaining and very informative. He paints primarily from life, but uses photos as a reference. I learned a great deal about using photos for landscapes and learned more regarding the importance of a thumbnail sketch defining composition, perspective and value. I usually do a sketch before I start, but watching Jerry's process of working through a sketch before laying any paint on canvas, made me realise that through sketching most of the hardwork can be done before picking up the brush or palette knife! Observe and Draw!
I was lucky enough to participate in my first painting workshop given by a professional full time artist, Jerry Markham. Jerry is an international award winning, local artist, know for his grand Rocky Mountain landscapes. You can find more info about his work here: www.jerrymarkham.com. Jerry's guidance was entertaining and very informative. He paints primarily from life, but uses photos as a reference. I learned a great deal about using photos for landscapes and learned more regarding the importance of a thumbnail sketch defining composition, perspective and value. I usually do a sketch before I start, but watching Jerry's process of working through a sketch before laying any paint on canvas, made me realise that through sketching most of the hardwork can be done before picking up the brush or palette knife! Observe and Draw!
Here's the demo Jerry did for us the first day. He did several over the two days. This one showed me how to mix those neutrals for the mountains and hills, colour temperature (its all relative!) and how to change a photo into a great composition. Very inspiring!
I put away the palette knife and got out my brushes for the workshop!
I put away the palette knife and got out my brushes for the workshop!
These are 3 of the paintings I produced with Jerry's assistance. They are small (8X10 and 5X7) and will serve as great examples in my next set of landscapes.
The last two weeks was our school spring break. I didn't get much painting done, but had a great time with the boys just hanging out! I did manage to finish my knife painted pink roses. The latest two are the top ones. They are all 6X6 inches in size and I'll be making a trip to Opus to get frames for them! I think I will continue to do small sets of 4 flowers, fruit etc...after I do a couple more for my "Abandoned" series....then onto some landscapes...and then..... ;-)