Last post I was trying to decide whether or not to continue on to color on this one. I decided to go ahead. I am going to set up a better and simpler color study this week though. After looking at the float set up for a while I decided it did not fit the kind of study I was looking for so I will take it down. The floats will be used in future pictures.
So, I have finalized my plans on the workshop I hinted at last week. I will be taking a workshop from Rob Liberace on The Dynamic Figure: A Classical Approach. The workshop will be held in late August on Whidbey Island, Washington at Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio (WIFAS). The link to the workshop and venue is here. I will also post a link to the art studio in my links page as well as the web site for Rob Liberace. Needless to say, I am very excited about the workshop and I have my work cut out for me getting my skills to the best they can be going into it.
A bit about my thoughts on workshops. I don't take them very often. I think workshops are great for improving skills one already has, for learning new approaches for these skills, or to sample new mediums and techniques. I don't think workshops are the best place to learn completely new skills. Classes and longer term instruction are best for that. It can be easy to become a workshop junkie (or it would be if they weren't so expensive!). I think most people would agree that it takes consistent work behind the easel to develop skills. That said, I am looking forward to adding to my figure drawing skills. I feel I am ready for a bit more knowledge and instruction.
Whidbey Island is near where I lived, before moving to Oregon, for 23 years or so. It is a beautiful place and we have many friends in the area that I hope to be able to see in between class times. I also hope to do a little plein air painting of one of my favorite spots (it is around the Ebey Landing area for those who know the island). I have a story to tell about a certain spot there and this will be my chance to get some oil sketches in, weather permitting. I will have an extra day there outside of the workshop to do this. The weather is also usually quite lovely that time of the year too.
Speaking of Whidbey Island, I have added a new link to a wonderful artist who lives there. Please check out the art work of Sandy Byers. I have to fix the link on my side bar but will do that right away. She is doing what I will be doing with my work, using her work to support animal causes. I found her blog and web site very inspiring.
I am all set to work hard this week. I am changing a few things around to organize my study time in the studio. Until then, here is hoping spring will give us a peek soon!
-Renee
2 comments:
Hi Renee, Thanks for the post on my blog today. I answered you there if you care to go look! About photographing your work did you take the painting by a window or outside in open shade? I take all my own photos of my work and I think you'll agree they look pretty ok. I sometimes have to nudge the colour or contrast with my iPhoto program but not much. I tried the whole thing with light set ups, using a gray card, etc., etc. and nothing worked until a friend told me she just takes her work to a window or out in open shade. It works especially well at mid day. The important thing is that the light needs to be even...no hotspots of light or cold shadows on it. And NO need for expensive equipment other than a decent camera. And keep your work STRAIGHT when lining it up in the viewfinder. Also, I know Sandy Byers work too...she is terrific!
Thanks Karen, I did take it in the light by the window but it would probably have been better to take it outside. Thanks for the tips and sharing your experience. I will try that with the next photo.
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