Post Workshop Blues - Again!

I wrote last year about my problem of what I call post-workshop-blues. Well,  it hit again this week. Been home from the Robt Genn workshop for a week and have painted a LOT - mostly the same bad paintings over and over and over - trying different approaches: multi glazes, scumbling, more glazes, little red Genn dots, etc etc. While I don't want to be Bob Genn (couldn't no matter how hard I tried) I do want to become comfortable with  his techniques and hope that the most useful for my approach to  acrylics will add to my bag of tricks.

In the past this blues period would last weeks and it really got me down. Now, after so many workshops, I know it will pass. I can even force it to pass by starting a new large piece and just going back to "me" ( my brushes, paints, etc)  - but that is not what I want until I have played enough. I know I lack the amazing patience that Mr Genn does for his very indirect approach to acrylics. So again, I couldn't "be him" if I wanted to.

I write this post because one of the workshop participants contacted me and expressed her confusion and frustration with her painting after the workshop. I probably just should have given her Mr Genn's contact info - 'cause this was not my fault. But I "held her hand" and encouraged her to paint as much as possible. Small pieces preferably with lots of different subject mater she likes and it will pass - and she and her work will be better for it.

It too will pass!

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.

Annual Artist Garage Sale

Each year I hold an Artist Garage Sale at my home in Comox. The Garage Sale includes small pieces from 6x8 to 11x14 in quality Canadian-made  frames. This year I have almost 75 pieces to choose from.

The sale will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM - 3 PM

1745 Beaufort Ave Comox - across from the Comox Library

As well, this year, Whytes Framing and Gallery, on Lazo Rd is hosting a show of larger pieces from 12x16 to 30x40 on Friday and Saturday only.

Love to have you drop by.