Sunday, October 3, 2010

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!)

17 comments:

Denise Rose said...

Looks like you had a great two days with them! I love both of your paintings completed there!

Laurel Daniel said...

Thanks Denise! It was a great time and very stretching! :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing these learning experiences with us.

Pam Holnback said...

Wow! So much great information! I love Camille's color. Can't wait to see how you incorporate all of this into your work!

Nancy Laliberte said...

Great info and paintings Laurel! Thank you so much for sharing!

Marian Fortunati said...

Fascinating post and lovely studies!!!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

I love both your paintings and the post about what you learned. So cool!
Thanks for your generosity in letting
us learn from your experience. Very wonderful paintings.

XOXOXOXOXOXBarbara

Heidi Malott said...

Wow! What a wonderful weekend that must have been! Your work is lovely. Your skillful brushwork and palette is fresh and inspiring.

Debbi Smith Rourke said...

Oh my! These are amazing!! What fun and thanks for sharing!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Fabulous results, Laurel.
Isn't it great to be able to do this thing we do?

Bev Boren said...

Ditto to all of the above, what a wonderful experience. Thanks so much for sharing!

s thompson said...

I love your art and your blog. I took a workshop from Camille several years ago in Petaluma and learned so much. She is great. You were lucky to get to attend the masters function in California. What a great place to paint!

Thea said...

Thea Swengel
Remove
Thea Swengel Laurel Daniel is sharing some great art lessons on her blog. She makes me want to paint! I do sometimes, but usually I just like to sell art and spread the word about art and artists. It all brings such joy to my life.

Stephen Parker said...

Wow, Laurel! This is the first chance I've had to look at your blog in the last few days, and I'm amazed at how beautifully (and quickly) you were able to apply what you learned during your weekend with the masters. This pallet knife painting is so strong and free, yet, still, so well crafted. The new colors in each of these last three pieces show you are always moving forward. Very inspiring!

Thanks, as always, by the way, for sharing what you've learned.

Stephen

Theresa Taylor Bayer said...

Such great tips, thanks for posting what you learned at the workshop. Your art is looking even more delicious than ever.

Jala Pfaff said...

Gorgeous.

Karen said...

I'm curious have Laurel...what do feel that you've kept from these two teachers, since I know how different at least Camille's approach is...