Blog

Artists for centuries have stood in galleries and museums and copied artists past and pressent.  There is no better way to discover the thought patterns and observe some of their possible decisions than trying to walk in their shoes.  I saw a show recently by a long admired artist well known  for his paintings of one of my favorite places on this planet.  I could not stand in front of his work to copy, but with my memory and photo references I could assign myself to creating something that resembles his work and technique.  It requires a concentrated study of what he is perhaps trying to say with his artwork and how he goes about it.  What he chooses  to use and what he adds or leaves out.  He paints in many mediums. I chose to use watercolor for this exploration.  

Above is the photo reference I chose to use.  Below it the watercolro rendition of this site.

Here are the above photos side by side.  I will make some changes to increase the medium dark areas and make the lighter parts more prominent.  One of the things that I find most beautiful in his paintings is his use of very dark shadows.  Under these two photos is a photo of my painting early on along side of my research.  Somehow I feel that is more interesting than the later one with so much detail.  The difference in value of the two inclines that come down the left hand side make it a much better painting.  Some rocks of a tree or bush might be all that's needed.  Not more detail.   These are the kind of elements and decisions that can take place when you attempt to alter your view point!

Days in the 70's are often that to find in Texas in February! It's a great opportunity to grab your easel and go to see what can be found after a week long ice storm on one of these sporadic warm days.  Today it was one of my most favorite place to paint - Cedar Hill State Park.  They do little to clear out the downed trees or the brush that accumulate under the winter limbs.  That makes for a real challenge to organize, pick and choose and make something out of the tangled vegetation.  It is really quite fun to see what can be done with what is before you.