Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Amphitheater Lake in Grand Teton NP is in an alpine environment. This was painter during my Murie Center "Landscapes Matters" gathering in 2006 in Grand Teton NP. During my latest, move I discovered it and does it bring memories flooding back.
Painters while they are painting a scene, worry that if a painting they make isn't perfect, its "not good."
But perfection is not what matters-what matters is that it was painted in the moment and the moment returns. Every viewer brings their "moment" to the painting as well. Paintings are like great friends who remind us of who we are.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

This oil took time to evolve. The color was not right-too warm, too cool in the rocks and the sky was a separate painting.
Give yourself honest feedback in terms that can be adjusted with painting.
Wondering if you like the painting? Give it up. A great painting is not about you. It is a story and tell it with clarity-there is a right color and a right value and a repeat of color, and consistent shadow pattern. I do not break the rules, I use them, over and over for great paintings.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Here are the colors of fall-late fall. Blue and yellow/ochre sing together and symbolize a season.
When you see a green tree and green grass and the actual color which it is up close to you, remember that this is only part of what you "see".
Organize color to give wholeness and a clear story to your art. Just because you see isolated objects/trees does not mean it is a good story.