Everyone went home tired and happy, myself included. Nobody lagged. And I've already heard back from many of the folks who took this class and it's all been good reviews. I became a tad concerned on the second day I might be throwing out too much, too fast, but the general consensus was that all was fine.
In summation, what we covered in our three days was how to organize our lights and darks into two distinct masses (which inevitably creates a dynamic composition within the frame), how to keep any modulations within one mass from punching holes into the other, and how to use cool and warm color temperatures within a hue to reinforce the same. We also messed around with varied brushstrokes and light touches with the palette knife, and played with adding some alkyd/oil as a medium. The class didn't feel quite ready to incorporate resins or wax into their medium yet. So perhaps we'll explore those issues at a later date.Here are some images from the last day, when I had a model throw a six hour pose. In reality, since I painted a demo of the model in the morning the group had about 3.5 hours to paint. (For the demo, I started off with my usual 'pain-n-talk' thing, so as to share how I progress through an alla prima painting, and the talking as expected slowed me down. So in the final 45 minutes of the demo I quit 'splaining stuff' and kicked into my normal speed so the group could see what happens when a painter works quickly. I heard later they felt this was real treat -- to see someone paint as fast as that.)
The pictures:
Well into it and developing nicely...
Also developing nicely...
Going horizontal...
Excellent painting posture. Couldn't be better for the back...
Some head scratching, which is good . . .
Some careful laying in . . .
A great way to hold the brush . . .
A great way to hold the palette so you can really see the color mixing . . .
Again, excellent posture . . .
No more head scratching, decision made, and moving on. . .
Thank you everyone, for participating in the Alla Prima Workshop. I know you all enjoyed yourself, even when you felt a bit frustrated. Much of what we covered in so short of time will become clearer as you keep painting.
So,the secret is . . . keep painting!
Thomas
4 reader comments:
Thank you, Thomas, for a workshop with no fluff. I appreciated the challenge of looking closely at chroma, hue and value (especially value.) The still lifes were sumptuous, and the model was probably the best I've worked with. The class was a harmonious bunch, just the right size. Your explanations and demonstration were well prepared to help us understand complex theory in a short time.
Thanks for an inspiring three days.
Yvonne
I can't say enough positive things about this workshop.
Thomas you are a fountain of knowledge and you pour yourself out
to be picked up at a fast pace. I'm still processing the information offered.
Thank you for always finding something nice to say about our work, and thank
you for correcting with kindness.
I learned sooo much.
I hope to sign up for another workshop soon.
Tim
Know and love your great model! Looks like an excellent workshop, with good work from all. Congratulations, Thomas!
Quin
Thanks Quinn. The model was terrific and I have every intention of using her again.
I hope all is well with you and that you are getting a lot of paint time in.
T
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