8x10 Oil on Canvas
As artists, we want to develop a style. We would like people to look at our work, and know who the artist is. Getting there is a difficult process that requires hard work and learning. The best way to learn, I think, is to take a workshop with an artist who's work inspires you. When you look at their work you say, "I wish I could paint like that". Many of us don't have that opportunity. The internet is a great way to "study". There are so many artists to discover, and therefore, a great way to see what kind of art is inspiring and ultimately discover how you want your paintings to look. I don't know if I have been hiding under a rock, but I just discovered Richard Schmid. I don't want my paintings to look exactly like his, but I want to learn how he achieves the animated brushwork, how to say a lot without fussy details, and what is the process for starting each painting. I have ordered his book called "Alla Prima". So I will be taking a workshop from him in my own home. He also has DVD's.
One lesson is about blocking in values. In this painting from Main Street East in Hamilton (some shrub type trees are still hanging on to their green leaves), I tried to block in the shapes with their values, and add details near the end. So much to learn....sigh.
9 comments:
This is really nice Catherine, it works. I did check out Richard Schmid, I can see why you like his style.
I would still love to take a workshop with Mike Svob, my all time favorite for color use. I think applying lessons like you did from books is really a great idea, I should do more of it!
PS I did like both Under the Mast, but the #2 did improve with your changes, thoughtful results!!
I am glad I am not the only one who struggles with this idea of personal style. I am afraid I bore easily and no sooner have I decided that I have achieved some kind of consistent style, than I realize that I really want to do something completely different! I will have to check out Richard Scmid, as over-fussiness is my constant challenge.
I have tripped myself up many times by not paying enough attention to how the values will affect the work. In this piece the major value blocks really strengthen the composition. I like it! True, so much to learn...
Thanks for making me google Richard Schmidt. His work is delightful. I think you're too hard on yourself my dear. I think we all go on learning in this field. So much to learn and paint, so little time...
Wow! I think you did a great job with the values, as they're very apparent in this wonderful piece. But I suffer from deciding on a style myself. It's a constant quest.
Further to this Robert Genn (http://clicks.robertgenn.com/artifacts-culture.php) wrote an interesting post this week about Claude Lévi-Strauss and his thoughts on artistic style and originality.
Hi Catherine,I think style just comes as you work regularly. I have seen too many times that when I try a few 'stylish tricks' to make my work different, it soon becames a staid formula.
A nice combination of warm and cool in this painting.
Richard Schmidt is a lofty goal to reach toward, but somehow I think you can get there. His book is a jewel and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I feel that as far as style goes, I find something from another artist that I admire, and incorporate it into my technique, and then a short time later, I do it again with another artist. In this way, I hope I am developing "My style". My own little mish mash of technique that I at least feel makes a pleasing piece of art.
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