My week with Sara and Robt Genn

Just back from my five day workshop with Sara and Bob Genn . Workshop was at the Hollyhock Resort on Cortes Island. Great venue and a great week. The intent of the workshop was to paint from life and abstract or introduce a graphic simplification to the work . We painted morning and afternoon daily. The setting was wonderful with a great shorelines  and a magnificent garden. Lots of material for different interests.

The beauty of Cortes Island 

My wife , Cathy, enjoying the beautiful Hollyhock gardens 

I have often looked at Genn's paintings and wondered just what path he took to arrive at the final complex product. Now I know - at least much more -  about his process. It is very much a long series of layering, glazing, scumbling and then doing it all over again as needed. The reference is only the start point - where the painting ends is a mix of serendipity, patience, years of experience and good craftsmanship.

Robt in his "throne" 

Its a long and winding road  to get to the end of a Genn painting 

Sara doing an abstract demo - great paint mixing demo

For me, the help was in watching his complex back and forth dance. You know that has put in a lot of miles to know in advance  the outcome of the approaches he takes.

I painted long and fast, making 18 starts over the few days. None was over an hour. One thing I am very much convinced of was the benefit of the initial plan using the Montana Acrylic Markers that I described before. It gave a strong and fast sketch on the support once the plan was decided using  a couple of thumbnails.

Initial sketch on neutral value primed linen using acrylic markers 

Into the painting - working acrylic on my Art Box system. 

Result of a 20 min fast painting drill - he loves timed drills 

What were his comments for me: my work tends to be too dark  and I need to allow more for the brightness factor in the outdoor light and over lighten my work in the field - such that it is OK when moved  indoors. I often begin on a dark to black support - he got me working on a neutral to light background and I think it helped. He also wanted to see me lay in more solid areas with less fussy work  - a quiet restful often grayed area. So good stuff to work on.

The Genns worked tirelessly for the four days. I was very impressed by their energy and generosity of time and information. They gave excellent critiques at the end of the day . And he tells it as he sees it - which is refreshing.

Sara and Bob enjoying a quiet moment at low tide

I enjoyed the week. I was very impressed with these two instructors and appreciated the chance to see him at work. I enjoyed getting to meet Bob - a fascinating man.

So now its back to work.