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I am a professional oil painter that focuses on floral still life. Some ask how I chose to become an artist. The answer to that is simple. I didn't choose to become an artist....art chose me

Monday, October 4, 2010

Learning to paint Landscapes

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to study plein air painting with Robert Johnson. Robert is mainly known for his beautiful floral's but I have always loved his landscapes and was very excited for this opportunity.

The workshop was held in Estes Park, Colorado. It's a beautiful, majestic place where mountains soar and elk roam. I do believe that as artists we see the world in more vibrant colors, and an appreciation of God's beauty that others dismiss.

As the workshop started I realized that even though I am very comfortable with a paint brush painting my flowers, I was not as comfortable outdoors painting mountains, trees, and rocks.

Another workshop participant who herself was an accomplished still life painter mentioned how hard this was. I couldn't have agreed more. Even though we both knew the principals of art it seemed to elude us when we put brush to easel to paint the scene before us.

In still life painting..I start out by looking for the simple masses of light and shadow. I simplify as much as possible. I know this...why was it so hard to translate that same knowledge when painting mountains, lakes, or trees? The answer finally came to me and since I come from a very musical family, the answer came in the form of music. I play the piano. I've played the piano since I was about 9 years old. My grandmother was my first teacher and then came more serious study. I'm comfortable with the piano. I can sit down and place my hands on the keys and know that music will flow but give me a violin and I am lost. How hard to I put the bow to the strings? Where do I put my bow to find middle C?

So I now understand that even though I can paint still life with ease, landscapes will take more practice and more studying. I am determined however to become comfortable with landscapes as I am with Still Life. I can't live in this beautiful part of the country and not paint landscapes.

8 comments:

  1. "I can't live in this beautiful part of the country and not paint landscapes."
    Amen to that!!!

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  2. Sounds like your instructor wasn't the right one for you. Rose and I took a plein air class in Sedona a couple of years ago with William Scott Jennings, and found his teaching method to be superb. Basically, he starts with the basics, such as you mention: find interesting shapes, and then he tells you (and demonstrates repeatedly) how to fill them in, doing all of this in the ~2 hours available to do a painting before the shadows have moved too much. Quite a few of the artists in the workshop were very experienced already, and they all seemed to learn a lot also. We recommend him highly. I think he moved to Colorado recently, but he still teaches through the Sedona Arts Center. Probably now in Colorado, too.

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  3. Elizabeth,
    As a still life painter myself, and having painted plein air on occasion the past two years, I really empathize with your plight! I've been out with some of the best plein air painters around and have received plenty of wonderful tips...my conclusion, which it seems that you've come to as well, is determination and practice. I have come to the realization that one needs time and patience to figure out an approach that works for you and this can't be rushed. At least that's my story and I'm stickin' to it ;) All the best with your plein air painting - I look forward to seeing them one day!
    Bobbi Dunlop

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  4. Liz I really think plein air is about painting the light - the master plein air painters (and I am surely not one of them) have that same thing in common, their paintings just sing with the interplay of light. I tend to get a bit overwhelmed outdoors when I am painting, until I settle down and remember to focus in one spot and on one theme. You are such a talented artist, it is just going to take a bit of time before you will be teaching us plein air! : )

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  5. I hope you persevere. You are so talented and you may never know how painting outside of the box (or house) may inspire you.

    Good luck

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  6. Your art work is beautiful..all if it!
    Blessings,
    Shirley

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  7. I feel exactly as you do going from watercolor to oils, as you state it is hard going from painting florals to Landscapes! I feel timid and afraid, not knowing which brush to use, or how to hold it, or strokes to employ...but slowly I feel myself easing into the new media. i am learning each time I go out to paint...and I paint Plein Air! Happy Painting! I am sure you will master this in time! Can't wait to see your progress! <3

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  8. I feel exactly as you do going from watercolor to oils, as you state it is hard going from painting florals to Landscapes! I feel timid and afraid, not knowing which brush to use, or how to hold it, or strokes to employ...but slowly I feel myself easing into the new media. i am learning each time I go out to paint...and I paint Plein Air! Happy Painting! I am sure you will master this in time! Can't wait to see your progress! <3

    ReplyDelete