I feel very privileged to have had a painting day with an English artist Richard Pikesley he is a wonderful painter and the president of the New English Art Club.
I felt like I needed some input and direction on how to progress my paintings to another level. I took a selection of paintings to show Richard and he gave me some great advice and guidance. We then painted in two locations morning and afternoon. The first I will post now the second tomorrow…..
West Bay Harbour
What Richard told me to work on was less linear and more blocks of colour. To help me do this I didn’t draw the subject first I went straight into looking and comparing two colours next to each other – I started on the reflection on the front of the boat. Trying to match the colour and tone. Also aiming to get the board covered quickly so you can relate the colours in the subject and not be distracted by the colour/tone of the board.
It definitely felt out of my comfort! Although I am pleased with the result and Richard liked it too! (The little boat was called ‘Henry’ and I love the character it has!)
The conditions weren’t easy, it was chucking with rain when we started so sheltered under his Land Rover boot and at times the subject disappeared in the haze of rain! Thankfully it did stop but you can see it’s a quiet tonal painting – not big contrasts like when the sun is out, which still has a beauty to it.
‘Painting is about looking’ a quote from Richard and something I am really working on 🙂