Words of Wisdom

Florence from the Boboli Gardens

     "The first two things to study are form and values.  For me, these are the bases of what is serious in art.  Color and finish put charm into one's work."  Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot [ca. 1828]

     I couldn't agree with this more.  Values are how we interpret light on objects as well as their material (texture) and relationship to each other; atmospheric perspective, for example.  Second, form follows function.  This is essential to understanding the shape of whatever is being drawn or painted.  This is the foundation to which most beginning painters often struggle to grasp.  Starting simply, with monochromatic colors and simple geometric shapes, will help to ensure a successful time learning how to manipulate paint.  This is why artists will usually draw a small black and white "thumbnail" version of the image to test whether or not the values and forms (shapes of value) will work with each other.  A gold key to unlocking a great composition. 
     One of my past instructors, George Pratt, summed it up very well by saying, "Color is candy," and like Corot, he's right on.

Life and Death

Life and Death, c 2010

     This is a painting from our Open Studio Sessions @ Woodland.  This was completed in the final two sessions and is done in oil on a piece of wood I had laying around.  This brought about the end of the current semester of studios, the next session will begin January 9th for anyone interested.  We will be working with live models and drawing from life.  The forthcoming session will also feature several demos by myself as well as Ron & Jennifer Borreson.

Thanks and I hope to see you there!

True Love @ Woodland

     This was a great thing to be a part of.  I've received a lot of feedback that people were really moved by the experience, so the Visual Arts team at Woodland is working on several other ideas to keep the momentum going.
The paintings were a live onstage worship experience during the October 16th & 17th services.  The song is "True Love" written by Phil Wickham and performed by Andy Botts.  A very cool version of the song and some amazing artwork to go with it!  The original paintings will be on display at Woodland very soon, I'll post pics as soon as I can.

Enjoy the video (courtesy of Woodland, the Community Church)