Orleans Color Boot Camp

Last weekend was my last Color Boot Camp in Orleans. It was a blast. We had a combination of different weather and light keys to contend with. I can't get over how beautiful Orleans surrounding area is.
The students mostly worked in oil but I had a couple who worked in acrylics. That was a first teaching with acrylics. It turned out fairly well. The only difficulty was drying time was quick and with oils wet into wet makes painting outside much easier.
Everyone had a little trouble at first breaking up the masses or big shapes. I explained that once you establish the masses you can't change the value only the color. After working on this all weekend everyone was able to "hold the mass".
It was great to see at the last critique everyone was able to come away with two different light keys.
We all had a great time getting to know each other and learning , as I told my class everyone was able to advance and "no child
left behind".

Reflection of the Dory

Dory Reflection

Reflections are some of the most interesting subjects in landscapes.
I couldn't resist painting this dory and it made the perfect subject for a small painting.
Most of the instruction on reflection is basic. The shadow side of the boat reflection is going to be a little lighter in the shadow then it's shade. The lighter side reflection is going to be a little deeper in value than it is in the light. These are generalizations that do not always apply, however they help the artist is what to look for when painting reflections.

I find when the water is calm this is generally true, when there are ripples something different might be happening. Anyway if your going to paint the coast your going to have to read up on some of these ideas. I read most of the Gruppe books I find he was a master at painting water.
Gruppe on Color and his other books are out of print. Most library's have a system where they exchange lending through the system.  I have read most of my art books this way.

I sold this to a woman that is a native to Provincetown. Jill has been after me for years to sell her a small  
painting when she saw this she stop and said "that's the one"!

Cape School Painting at Framingham HIgh

 Yesterday I taught an outside class at Framingham High School outside of Boston.
Although these seniors have had some art instruction they never painted before.

I gave a short demonstration about outdoor painting. First thing is defining the light and shade.
Out doors you can see the light and shade more clearly than inside, even if you have a spot light turned on the subject.
It was amazing to see how fearless these young people are. They just paint and expect it to turn out! I wish I had this sort of confidence myself.
I hope they will be able to come next summer to Provincetown  and apply for the scholarship that the cape school offers to young folks.

Posing for the Class

 Last week I took some time to take advantage of Camille Przewodek's workshop here in Provincetown. I enjoy studying with other artist's because I understand my own limitations, and would like to improve.
I learned more about painting in color with a brush. I found just watching Camille paint interesting.  Camille has a lot of energy and walked all over town to teach and all the painting spots. It was an inspiring experience.
I always wanted to experience what Camille had to offer and the opportunity presented itself when Camille came to my own back yard so to speak.
Part of my tuition was to pose for the workshop.
Camille did a demo of me first and then the class painted All the paintings  turned out great! I was thrilled with weeks outcome.