Lessons from the Colorists

Mission Light (finished piece), L. Daniel, 12 x 9

Mission Light (color block-in/start), 12 x 9

Daniel Pinkham Workshop - Block-in Process Notes:

Squint down to see at least three large masses in the darkest value.

Compare differences between each massin color and temperature.

With turpentine color washes - block-in large masses.

Repeat for mid-values and lightest values until canvas is covered.

Hold onto the values and temperatures as color is added.

(Wow - that sounds so logical, but easier said than done!)

  

I spent two days at the Masters Weekend studying with teachers from the Colorist tradition. Daniel Pinkham studied with Russian master Sergei Bongart; and Camille Pryzewodek studied with American master Henry Hensche (who studied with Charles Hawthorne). Both of these traditions find their source in Impressionism, specifically in the work of Claude Monet. It would be impossible to sum up each of these approaches so I will simply relay how they got us "started", both with a painting and with learning to "see" color. These two painters have devoted their artistic pursuits to understanding the color of light and the color of air (light filters through air and both affect everything we see). Please click on their names above and see their work - you will love it.

  

Mission Color (finished piece, palette knife), L. Daniel, 9 x 12

Mission Color (color block-in/start, palette knife) 9 x 12

Camille Przewodek Workshop: Block-in Process Notes:

Sketch composition with light blue pastel pencil.

Observe patterns of light and shadow - organize into flat planes.

"Hues on first" - paint spots of color in correct temperature and value.

Keep color spots separate until canvas is covered.

Compare and correct temperature, value and hue relationships.

When relationships are correct, add color nuance and subtleties.

Bring shapes together; retain value & temperature of large masses.

(Palette knife is important for avoiding detail too soon!)