How to restart a blog....well?.....just post something.
Looking at this year on this blog, one might assume I slipped off this side of reality to who knows where. Actually, have been just busy and some of that has even been painting, a fair bit actually. Did two great workshops in the late summer and early fall. One in Alexandria with Rob Liberace centered around the figure. This was titled Velazquez to Sorolla, looking at their techniques and also encouraging us to try "historical" colors like true naples yellow, tin yellows, lead whites etc. I already do use some of these colors on my palette having found them useful.
The other was on Madeline Island given by Marc Hanson with the emphasis on taking field sketches and brining them back to do a large studio work. This was useful as had already done a few of these. Only I had done only one small sketch and with memory and a reference pic, did the larger studio piece. Marc had us consider several sketches, pencil, paint, whatever, for composition, details, color as well as photo ref and notes, to consider returning to a spot, if possible, for more info if needed. To do what it takes to get the painting. Can't say the workshop painting was particularly successful, actually not so surprising but have done a few since that are better. The concepts are broad enough to take to any painting.
Either side of those events were a couple of plein air events at Snow Hill and Chincoteague Island. Both were fun and the turn out for the wet paint sales great. In the fall I was part of a three man show at the North End Gallery, something I enjoy doing every other year as it does give a chance to show a body of work.
But best has been the continued get-togethers with several artist friends. We meet at each other's homes, which gives us a diverse range from ocean to bay, fields to marshes, to enjoy painting and company and support each other. Also important is the ongoing contact through the internet that started to share the results of morning exercises but has grown to include any artwork, opinions, comments we wish to share. As the year ends, I am grateful for these friends and look forward to the coming year. Paint on!
