Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Out of the Blue

This was a demo I did in class yesterday, where they painted right along with me. I like to have a list of objectives to cover when we do this, rather than just painting. I give them the list so they can remember what we talked about (I don't STOP talking) as they painted theirs. On this list are: (in no order) perspective, warm vs cool colors, values, composition, negative painting, tools to experiment with, glazing, scumbling, adjusting, light, etc. I had a box of things I use to create texture. For example, dragging in an arc direction, the darks on the shaded side of the tree with my old business cards, index cards, cardboard.Also talked about using q tips, brayer, sponges, etc. We cover a lot with one painting! When I got home, I finished mine, and I'll try to remember to take pictures of all of the class  paintings on Monday. I also talk alot about "breaking the rules".  For example, you probably wouldn't normally see turquoise "spots" in a scene like this, but the minute I added them I knew it was finished! It was suggested again after the class that I create a video of a demo (a great compliment). It is on my to do list! The class is phenomenal. I still can't believe that some of these people have never picked up a paintbrush, and are creating beautiful paintings! They are awesome, and I appreciate their open-ness and willingness to just dig right in and banish the fear.  Not to mention the friends I meet along the way by teaching. Oh...and the laughter. It's pretty cool when you spend a few hours totally forgetting about everything except right here, right now, and having fun.

7 comments:

  1. Love the turquoise! And your trees are awesome. Would love to see a video, so nice to hear about all the fun :) I think the students awesomeness is a direct reflection of their instructor :)

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! And I appreciate the compliment on the teacher thing, too, but they came ready to learn and have fun!

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  2. Once again, I'm jealous of those lucky learners in your class. I sure do think I'd be learning me a whole bundle if I were among those in the class.

    I'm putting in another vote for your producing a video—the closest I'll get to one of your classes for the time being!

    LOVE the trees in your painting, and the fauvist red grass. Fascinating/exquisite use of touches of green in the foreground. Love the turquoise shadow play.

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    1. Thanks, Dotty- and I really will do a video! Just as soon as I learn how.....

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  3. It sounds like it was a great class Laurie and I really like all the colours you used - everything just pops!

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    1. Thanks, Val! I have to say that this painting looks better in person than in the photo. The colors do pop!

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  4. This is so BOLD and very interesting!
    WELL DONE.

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