Monday, August 18, 2014

185: Plein air revolution

I've been searching for a way to simplify and streamline painting in the field. My oil painting gear has expanded to the point I feel I'm on safari for even the most impromptu forays. And I've lost much of my original impetus for painting en plein air–which was to record the effects of nature rather than create gallery worthy paintings in the field.


In such a frame of mind I encountered James Gurney's newest video Watercolor in the Wild (available from his website on DVD$US 32, or by digital download$US 14.99). In addition to being one of America's foremost oil painters James Gurney has a rare gift for defining artistic problems and articulating solutions. In this latest offering I found what I was subconsciously yearning for–a means to recover the fun and immediacy of plein air painting while fusing my love of drawing and painting. 

In this 73 minute video Gurney shows how to simplify plein air gear to the bare essentials. He uses a combination of pan water colors, special mechanical watercolor brushes you load with water or inks (I didn't know such brushes existed), along with graphite and water-soluble colored pencils. It's an ingenious fusion of techniques that allow the seasoned painter, as well as the neophyte, to come to grips with the often maddening complexity of plein air painting.

The ideas in the video promise a return to the roots of why I started painting in the field–to absorb the beauty of nature, record its fleeting effects, and use the sketch to enhance my studio paintings. If you're looking for a way to revitalize your plein air efforts or need a bridge between your drawing skills and your ability to paint out-of-doors you might want to try this method with me. I will share my efforts in future blog entries.



Brad Teare–August 2014

4 comments:

  1. It's a great video, I bought it the day it came out and love the way he uses his materials. Looks like a lot of fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should've told us about it! :-) Have you tried the techniques yet?

      Delete
  2. Not yet, have some stuff coming in today from the art store! Still waiting to find a decent half pan set around here but I may have to buy it online instead.

    Sorry, I just figured 'everyone' visited Gurney Journey. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do but I don't actually get online every day. That site generates a lot of material. It's hard to keep up with.

      Delete

Thanks for your comments!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...