Jason,
Sometimes you can learn the most from just painting around your backyard. After long hours illustrating , I would just set up my easel somewhere in my yard and start painting. I felt so free and it felt like I was doing something that was connecting me to God's creation. I soon found that I was seeing colors that I could never come up with on my own!
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I was reading Edgar Payne's book on painting awhile ago and in a later edition his daughter mentioned that he did Plein Air mostly for catching conditions of light and experiencing the environment first hand. He rarely if ever exhibited a plein air sketch. He would go back to his studio and craft a large painting from his field sketch. In fact , he wrote, that he would paint on location the same scene over and over again until he got it right.
I have been " Plein Air " painting since the seventies, but mostly as a way of catching the right colors and values of a subject. Never as a means to an end. That has changed this past year as I am focusing on a more Alla Prima technique and consciously painting outdoors in a more focused and purposeful manner. It loosens me up and keeps me connected with God's creation.
The best blog I have seen from an artist that has been doing Plein Air before it was cool is Stapleton Kearns. Check out his link on my side bar. There are many competent artists out there, but Stape has a rare talent for communicating and teaching difficult concepts in a fun and thoughtful comprehensive way.
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Posts
Hey frank,
ReplyDeleteI certainly appreciate the advise, Ive seen that Kevin MacPherson book at my local bookstore, Ill definitely go pic it up. That is a great idea about keeping things separate, I think that's what Ive been doing wrong. Im always forgetting to bring the simplest things like paper towels. I think Im gonna go ahead and get the Open Box M, it looks like a pretty good deal, considering the palette, your paints, and brushes are all stowed in one box. Im sure a back pack would take care of the rest. The last thing Ive considered is what to do with the wet painting. I guess one of those wet panel boxes would do alright.
Wow, lots to think about. Thanks again, Im taking all your points into consideration.
Sincerely, Jason
Almost forgot the most important thing, that's certainly a beautiful group or roses. A very Beautiful painting.
ReplyDeleteBest Jason
Jason,
ReplyDeleteI went out once to a great location and I left behind my white and turpentine...it was a big bummer. I decided at that point to separate both units.
Get extra palette knives , colors etc...
Frank,
ReplyDeleteI took your advice and visited Stapleton Kearns' site. Wow, he has so much information and the best painting advice. I am so glad I read all of that tutorial on edges, that will keep me going for quite a while. And I really liked his post on cheerleaders vs downloaders. Having the experience at Art Center showed me the difference.I am definitely looking for the downloaders. I am going to get a copy of " Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting" What else do you recommend?
Take care of that arm. And thanks1
Janice,
ReplyDeleteCheck out the comment I gave to Jason Peck on my last post. I list a couple books and other tips.
blessings
This is a great painting. I really like your calligraphic brush strokes on this one.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep praying for that arm of yours.
Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteThankYou!
Today my arm and wrist feels better. I am saving it for Friday and Saturday. I am one of the judges at the Horton Iris Farm Paintout in Loomis Ca.
Thanks, Frank
ReplyDeleteI will try to live up to your recommendation.I hope someone reads it. It's a ridiculous amount of work......Stape