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GO TO YOUR ROOM !

I borrowed this phrase from the recently deceased Canadian painter Robert Genn who believed that there is only so much we can learn about how to paint from the many fine instructors and resources available today. The true learning comes from going off on our own and just doing it - Go to your room!

I have had the good fortune to take instruction from outstanding artists in Canada and the USA. I continue to work on my own development ( Going to MY room!) . I share, through this blog and workshops, what I have learned and what others have shared with me.

I created this blog primarily for those attending my workshops to keep in touch and to further share as we grow together. If others are interested in following that would be great.

Enjoy the journey.

Saturday 12 May 2012

Too dumb to say no!

A friend asked me to do a portrait of his deceased father. I was pleased to be asked and so said OK. He brought me a 2x3 black and white taken in the 1940s.  Wow, I said - that will be a bit of a challenge - trying to work my way out of the commitment. Then he said, but I would like it done in colour - as a gift for my daughter - her grandfather.  It got a bit emotional so I said it would be a fun thing to "play with" - no promises as to outcome.

So I have made two 9x12  sketches so far. The first is a burnt umber pick-out, finished adding titanium white and warming it using transparent red iron oxide then added some dark accents with ultramarine blue - all water soluble oils. The plan was to make the under-painting value sketch then gently add colour once the first was dry. It was done on Yes Canvas. If you have not tried it Yes Canvas is an all- medium canvas that I was encourage to try while studying at Watts Atelier - for fine portrait work. It is inexpensive and very fine weave suitable for portraiture. I purchase in panels and in rolls mounting on board. U tube video on Yes Canvas   Because this canvas is so smooth, the burnt umber picks out nicely to create the value pattern - using paper towels, wet brushes and Q tips.


The second sketch was done in colour and a bold brush application, thick and juicy. Drawing looks a more like Tom Selleck - and the colours are probably too young for his stage of life.

Fun exercise to try. Let these dry for the week then play some more.

Off to Whistler to do a workshop with a really interesting group of artists.

More later.







1 comment:

  1. Hi Brian, I particularly like the first piece you played with... the colors being nostalgic, the technique and application very spontaneous. Good for you to just go with the flow! Looking foward to the next few generations of this piece! Jill

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