Painting Tip #10

Try painting on masonite hardboard, prepared with a couple of coats of acrylic gesso or oil primer (sand lightly before and between coats), using only a palette knife to loosen up your painting style! You will be forced to simplify and not get hung up on details.

Should You Join an Art Group? Are You a Dog or a Cat?

I just read an interesting article about joining art groups.  The writer draws an analogy between cats and dogs and what tends to happen in a group. I have belonged to some art groups where it became pretty clear, over a period of years, that an artist would never be featured or recognized in any way unless they had a MFA or painted in the style the lead dog preferred or were somehow either favored or not threatened by the lead dog, so I thought this article really hit home and explained my discomfort with groups in general.  I currently do belong to one painting group that seems quite egalitarian, but I haven't actually been that involved for the past year due to time constraints of my own other pursuits, I guess in a cat-like fashion.  I do know that I have enjoyed plein air painting with the group, in my own little solitary spot but knowing there are other cats doing the same nearby!  I guess it all depends on the temperament of the artist and how much they need the company of others.  Personally, I feel most artists treasure their solitude and it needs to be that way to grow in their creative abilities.  Food for thought.

Cats Walk Alone

by Carolyn Henderson

We can, however, choose to be superb artists, whether or not we are invited into the middle of the circle -- and indeed, the likelihood that we reach our potential as artists increases when we decrease our dependence upon the group, the group's policies, the group's likes and dislikes, the group's approbation or censure. [...]

Read the rest of this article at:
http://fineartviews.com/blog/34972/cats-walk-alone

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Painting Tip #9

It seems crazy and hard to believe, but white in shadow is darker than black in the light. Keep your division of light and shadow distinct!

Painting Tip #8

The sky is always the lightest part of a landscape. The only situation where another area comes even close to that brightness would be a snow scene.

Painting Tip #7

Try a limited palette. Use just three colors, Winton Red #6, Ultramarine Blue and Cadmium Yellow Light along with Titanium White to paint almost anything. This is the palette Dawn Whitelaw uses. Dawn is an experienced portrait and plein air artist and wonderful teacher. When I asked her whether she ever thinks about adding another color, she reluctantly replied that perhaps lemon yellow might be needed for a beach scene in the Caribbean.

Painting Tip #6

When painting "en plein air" (outdoors) make sure that your canvas support is in the shade, otherwise your painting will be terribly dark and dull when you bring it inside. Painting in the shade ensures the most colorful and vibrant effect. Sometimes you have to position your easel in such a way that you need to look back over your shoulder at the scene you are portraying. An umbrella can be helpful, but it is yet another item to lug about and if there is any wind you are liable to have your setup carried away with disastrous results.

Painting Tip #5

Try to find the correct color and value right away rather than putting down something that is only approximately right – don’t delay your decision making!