Things I like about painting outside

I like being outside

Doing studies gives me enough drawing information to do a bigger painting in my studio.

You can do a better drawing than using a photo because the angles are not exaggerated the way a camera does.

It's a chance to get better color for a bigger painting.  Even if I get a smattering of the color it helps me when I get back home. 

It helps to paint faster. 

Improves memory because once you paint something you never forget the place.  The first painting was done from the memory I had of this setting when I painted there a couple of years ago.

(Donated to Friends of the Rappahannock event coming up soon)

 

 

This 8x10 was my study from the day we painted here.  (I changed this a little at home.  That high contrast are in the middle towards the front was too strong.)

12 x 16 (on DPW and my website)

Painted when I got home using photos and the study done at the location.  I did add color that wasn't there, but I like a lot of color.  Even though I add color being there gives you ideas for later. 



Painting Studies

January 14, 2014

I am always  inspired by the work of Qiang Huang.  I subscribe to his blog and look at his paintings on DPW.  He likes to take one subject an do multiple studies of it.   These are one of  the type of flowers he studied.  I'm on the second study and since I bought a big bunch I will do a few more.  I think I will try different ways to begin, e.g., white canvas, toned, darks first, etc. 

Photo of still life

 

 

Started on white canvas, painted light of flowers first

 

 

 

Final Study

 

 

PS - I dropped off more magazines at LibertyTown, Studio 26.    This is includes my supply from the basement so I am nearing the end of my collection.  Sad to good-bye, but I have read them all and thank them for the help.  Please help yourself.  They are on the table in my studio.  The whole first batch is gone. 

Studies - another way to improve

August 29, 2013

Painting studies and doing the same thing multiple times is another good way to improve.  When I took a workshop with Maggie Siner she recommended doing between 5-8 small studies to perfect your composition.

This goes along with painting the same subject until you have it right. 

My last blog showed examples of my efforts to improve on my first painting of the donuts with a white paper bag.  My last painting includes a paper bag along with an apple.  My last painting is the one I like the best so practicing on the subtleties of the paper bag was worth the number of practice paintings for studies. 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/carol-josefiak-3555