The philosophy of these lessons: Look, Learn, Practice
Chapter 17 of "The
Way To Happiness" deals with Competence. I've found that
too many limit their own progress as an artist with the concept
that they "haven't got the talent." 90% of being
a good professional artist is about looking for yourself,
learning (including good study habits), and practicing what
you have learned to become Competent. If you are interested
in a free copy of "The Way to Happiness", please
email me for one.
Lesson 12
1. Thought
Ask yourself: what is my purpose as an artist? This is not
a serious question. I will allow you to change your answer
or come up with several different answers, but do take a moment
to think about it. What are you doing as artist? Write it
down. Date it. Put it aside where you'll find it later. If
you want, bring it to class to share with us.
2. Words:
Gouache: (GWASH) is often referred to as opaque watercolor.
Gouache is processed with the same binder as watercolors,
a combination of gum arabic, preservatives and plasticizers.
A white pigment is added to gouache to make the colors opaque.
Gouache colors are not as finely ground as transparent watercolor.
(I cover this word primarily for our watercolor students.
As soon as you add white to any watercolor, you are working
with gouache.)
3. Practice: "Learning bears fruit when it is applied."
Exercise: Seeing the light and color in shadows.
Phillip Osbourne (American Artist, 9/91) has said "beginners
tend to think that shadows are done with black paint, but
this is inaccurate. Shadows are full of reflected light tones
and can actually be richer in color than sunlit areas."
 Set
up a still life or go find a landscape. Look for the reflected
light in the shadows. Pay particular attention to the light
in the shadows. This exercise can be done either as a B&W
exercise (setting up a glass container is challenging) or
color exercise. If you use color, eliminate black from the
palette.
Interested in other lessons?
[Workshops]
[Lesson archives]
[Painting Supplies]
|
