The value of critique
Critique ought not be a question of likes and dislikes. It involves analyzing a painting in terms of formal elements of design, which include: Focal point Line Value Color Balance Shape and form Texture Rhythm and movement I’ve expanded on these ideas here, for those of you interested in how to use formal criticism to …
Why does anyone paint plein air?
Painting the fog at Blueberry Hill I’m in Acadia teaching my annual Sea & Sky workshop, and yesterday was a fog-bound day. We were at Blueberry Hill. The great granite slope, the spruces, and Schoodic Island drifted in and out of their wrap of soft wool. Not only do I love painting in this atmosphere, …
Monday Morning Art School: more better, faster
My painting for Camden on Canvas, called “So Many Boats!” Sold at auction yesterday. One of the questions we are often asked at plein air painting events is, “Did you really finish that whole painting in one day?” The answer, of course, is yes-or sometimes two or three paintings. We have trained ourselves to be …
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A game-changer for watercolor?
It’s a danger when you come to visit; I probably will make you work. Watercolor painters have several options for transferring their sketch to paper. They can hope they get it right without guidelines at all. That has never worked for me; I’m far too impulsive. Or, they can sketch in light pencil lines. Pencil …
From the archives: Extreme painting
My guest expert (my daughter) wrote this post in 2018, because I was indisposed due to medical tests. I’m having tests again today (one of life’s eternal verities) and was reminded of this classic. The Road to Seward, Alaska, by Carol L. Douglas Dear Carol, Last week, you mentioned the wild turkeys near your residency. …