Blog

Update - Spring 2025:

I’ve just finished the first three Plein Air events of the season.  It was delightful to reunite with some past collectors and see painting friends.  To catch up and continue learning is very enjoyable.  And I started working through some visual struggles. 

I transported five of Troy Tatlok’s paintings and they are billeting in my lusciously lighted living room.  They are this week’s painting class.  January’s class with Steve Putrich has me very aware of grey – how they can travel around.  As that voice has been in my head I can’t wait to see Steve’ work again.

I was surprised at the use of purples and lilacs.  Provided richness of shadows and the nod to the Monet gang.  I find these cheery which is a pleasing result to me.  I wonder what form in this will continue.

To deal with frustration I made up paint games.  One picture I tried to use only vertical strokes.  It provided a layered composition with great distances.

I’m continuing this trend, but it is hard.  Strokes often create shapes, make wind blow, and dance around the canvas.  It provided a layered composition with great distances. 

I also tried a limited pallet black, white, and red.  It makes pinks!  And creates a snow like scene in the budding of spring.  Maybe it’s a candidate for a do over.

Over the winter I wrote a “loose script” on what I learned in my  first four years of painting.  I viewed Streamline’s Plein Air Live last year and learned.  In addition to my five years of discoveries I hope it conveyed the attitude necessary approach a new skill.  Have fun.  Be evaluative.  Learn from mistakes (to both avoid and exploit).  Enjoy.