Have you ever struggled to get into just the right spot when you're painting in a group?
Everyone's elbowing each other trying to get the best possie!! You can either get into the jostle (yuck!) or get there early. Both, to me, are pointless because you never know what the model is going to do and I hate being stuck in a crowd. My solution is, no matter what's in front of you, the artist has to learn how to make a silk purse out of the sow's ear: use your creative brain to come up with a fine composition/design/idea and make it work (This is why I'm really good at painting feet)!! Test yourself, push your skills and make yourself come up with the goods. If permitted, dive in close at some point and get some photos so you have reference material for when you get back to your studio. My best strategy for painting en plein air is to grab a cushion, find some shade, get comfy and then look around to find my subject. A viewfinder is a handy gadget to avoid overwhelm and pin down a great composition. When I'm done with that view, i turn 5°, make sure I'm still in the shade, get comfy and paint - step and repeat!! Very sensible when you think of how much painting time can be wasted wandering around looking for the perfect subject - it's right there in front of you! have fun!! Amanda www.amandabrett.net edited from my original post 081214 Copyright © 2022 All images and text on Amanda's blog and website are the legal property of Amanda Brett and may not be reproduced without express permission from Amanda Brett or her authorised agent. Thank you for respecting her art and the livelihood of all artists.
6 Comments
Mayya
3/2/2022 07:57:40
Thanks Amanda!
Reply
Amanda Brett
3/2/2022 08:14:21
thanks Mayya, i'm glad my blog is useful!! thank you for reading!! are you getting to paint? I hope to have a trip to Christchurch soon, will let you know xx
Reply
Mayya
3/2/2022 08:29:16
Absolutely! My hands are already itching:)))
Reply
Jude Hazeldine
3/2/2022 08:20:54
Great tip. I must put my hand up for wasting time looking for the perfect opportunity. Thank you Amanda for the re reminder it’s right in front of me. Old dog, new tricks.
Reply
Amanda Brett
3/2/2022 08:25:33
we all do it jude - sigh! will let you know when i'm able (walking with a crutch atm!) for en plein air and we'll practice being ruthless!! lol!! xx
Reply
Jude
3/2/2022 17:04:06
Oh no, a crutch. That’ll slow up progress. 🐌🐌🐌 Hope you can ditch it soon. Yes, ruthless, yessss! 😊 Thanks Amanda. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorPaintBox Tips, secrets, random thoughts, Poetry in watercolour is made in the freedom of the here and now. Amanda Brett Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working - Pablo Picasso There are no mistakes in watercolour, just some extra surprises!! Categories
All
Archives
January 2023
Copyright © 2022 All images and text on Amanda's blog and website are the the legal property of Amanda Brett and may not be reproduced without express permission from Amanda Brett or her authorised agent. Thank you for respecting her art and the livelihood of all artists.
|