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| 16x20 Oil on Canvas |
I painted this little house at a weekend workshop taught by Robert Warren recently. I don't think the homeowner even knows that his house was photographed and painted by fourteen people!
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| The house we painted |
It was so interesting to hear the others talk about their art, and all the different brushes and paints that they like best. No two people seemed to prefer the same things, which I found very comforting. There is no best way to paint, only the way that you find works best for yourself.
I also discovered that I'm sort of developing my own style of painting. The instructor commented that I had a very "light, fluid touch", whatever that means.
It was a very enjoyable weekend. The gallery was in a hundred year old building, in a huge room with high ceilings and wood floors, like an old school room. I was so thrilled to be away from home by myself for two whole days, surrounded by art chatter. I don't even remember the last time I've ever stayed in a hotel by myself, but I really loved it! It was like a sort of retreat for my mind and my spirit.
Of course, most of the others went home with a finished painting, and I have spent the past two weeks finishing mine. I'm still not sure it's finished, but I don't want to spend any more time on it right now. After all, it wasn't even my own original idea to begin with, and I feel kind of weird about that.
What are your feelings about workshops? Why do you go to them? Are they helpful to your growth as an artist, or not?
It was a very enjoyable weekend. The gallery was in a hundred year old building, in a huge room with high ceilings and wood floors, like an old school room. I was so thrilled to be away from home by myself for two whole days, surrounded by art chatter. I don't even remember the last time I've ever stayed in a hotel by myself, but I really loved it! It was like a sort of retreat for my mind and my spirit.
Of course, most of the others went home with a finished painting, and I have spent the past two weeks finishing mine. I'm still not sure it's finished, but I don't want to spend any more time on it right now. After all, it wasn't even my own original idea to begin with, and I feel kind of weird about that.
What are your feelings about workshops? Why do you go to them? Are they helpful to your growth as an artist, or not?
thanks for the workshops which give us, the readers, great works of art. the light, fluid touch is great and the style developed by you is always enjoyed by people like me.
ReplyDeletecongrats...
Katherine, this is so pretty! It puts me in the mood for the holidays. I'm glad you decided to make it a winter scene.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great to take advantage of any opportunity to paint with other artists. Don't feel funny about painting the same subject as the others. Everyone has his or her own interpretation of the subject.
I always enjoy visiting your blog. It's a pick-me-up.
Stay true to your own instincts and style. Art Instruction is valuable, but not all artists make good teachers.
ReplyDeleteGreat Katherine
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Painting Katherine! What a challenge and so much detail! Great work!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful Katherine! What a perfect Christmas card it would be. I thik the homeowner would love this painting!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could paint....I think workshops would be wonderful. I like that you continued to work on your painting after the workshop ended. It's complete when you thik it is. Again - I just love it. The colors are so beautiful. I'd love to knock on the door...it's just that inviting!
Hello Katherine, I started painting in about 2007, just a course in drawing and painting organized by an artist in my city. Although I have also acquired its own, so almost daily practice, some confidence in the use of tools, still attend the same group of paintings, because the comparison with others always helps to put into question and to learn more and because now we have become a group of friends who "speak the same language"!
ReplyDeleteWe are eight people, all totally different, I am slow and precise, a little perfectionist, and I love the colors, there is the lady who makes pictures pop-art style, those who use the color very light and delicate, is a lawyer on the canvas that expresses all his "colored madness" ... so we are all different and I think that this is the wealth that allows us to find the urge to go on learning of artistic techniques.
Really nice to have two days all by itself, to do what we love!
Good week, Barbara
I forgot to tell you that your painting is absolutely delicious, you have been very good, the execution speed is always a very personal thing! You soon, Barbara
ReplyDeleteLovely painting, Katherine.
ReplyDeleteI've been to workshops, I used to go once a month, same format as you were doing, but they lasted a day only - in fact, 10 -4! Everyone did the dame thing, but 20 different finished paintings went home!
Nowadays, I'd only go if there was a new technique I wanted to learn.
It is always interesting to see how others approach the same scene as it highlights where similarity and differences are in style. I like how you have conjured snow and made it gleam in the yellow lamp.
ReplyDeleteIf nothing else, I believe workshops are a good way of bringing like-minded folk in what is often a solitary practice.
Lovely work! I think its really interesting to work with other artists on the same subject, you really get to see how people approach things differently.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be fun to show the person with the house all the different paintings that were done of it :)
If I had the money, I would so buy this, Katherine. It is just so beautiful and I love the architectural style of this comfortable little home. That you've made it so Christmas-y is just icing on the cake. For someone who just recently picked up oil paints, you are simply born to it. Gorgeous piece!
ReplyDeleteI love your interpretation of the ref. photo - looks much warmer and more inviting than the original :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't paint, but recently attended a 3 day workshop with Mike Sibley (graphite drawing techniques) and because his methods are so very detailed we weren't expected to complete work.
We can finish the work at home and submit it for critique/inclusion on his website but I've been so busy with other art I've not done anything more on my piece.
Its really interesting to see how varied the end results can be when all working from the same ref. That's why its so interesting to share ideas and end results with other artists via blogs etc. I know some artists who won't link to other artists' sites for fear of 'losing' commission clients ... but at the end of the day the clients have the right to study a variety of artist styles till they find the one they'd like to work with.
This painting would make a beautiful Christmas card
Oh this is absolutely gorgeous! It has a real festive and cozy feel. It is just my cup of tea!
ReplyDeleteI have recently fallen totally in love with oils too and I think I will probably settle on them now. Aren't they a joy? :0)
Ok first of all, WOW i love your painting, it makes me feel all warm and cozy just looking at it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a lovely weekend, learnt lots, had time to yourself. Just perfect.
xxx
Hi K!
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, your cottage painting is so charming! It's a home where Norman Rockwell characters live!
A weekend away without the normal responsibilities with people who share your passion for creativity -- sounds heavenly! I would like to go to a writer's workshop like that; where do I sign up?
"Light, fluid touch" sounds excellent! I would take that as a compliment. Your talent is obvious and impressive.
Have a great week!
Even the very big ones ( Manet, Monet, Renoir etc. ) went to workshops, and some of their paintings are very similar because they did the same painting at the same workshop...if they can......:-)
ReplyDeleteYour painting reminds me of Christmas eve in a fairytale , so cosy ...full of atmosphere...beautiful!
Keep going to workshops and soak up everything you can!!
Hello Katherine, your work is simply delicious and full of a sweet Christmas atmosphere. An excellent painting, both for the nice subject and for the perfect excution.
ReplyDeleteI think it's always helpful to attend a course, the important thing to me, is that the teacher has to have not only the ability to transmit his painting knowledge and technique, but he should also know how to interpret any subject, not only as our eyes see it, but also with an artistic spirit. In my opinion, this is really difficult and, make the difference between a teacher and a master. Ciao!
Hi Katherine, this is a lovely 'warm' winter scene ~ not sure that makes sense but it's a beautiful painting! Take a look at the roof eaves on the front porch bit, though. The right side doesn't quite match the left. On the photo, there's a tree on the right partially obscuring it. Perhaps you could extend the branches on your painting to hide the roof more? Buildings are so hard, I can't do them at all!
ReplyDeleteWorkshops are great, you can really focus on your art without all the 'life' distractions! As you say, you get to discover and develop your own unique way of working.
katherine, this is simply lovely!!! it's just so beautiful and i loved reading your post! i think the house is just perfect! i spent the last few minutes just taking it in and wanting to be inside. lovely painting and wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI had to double-check that roof line, too, Janet! But the house really does have asymmetrical lines there. That's just how it was built, I guess. Kind of cute, actually!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really charming, beautiful piece, Katherine! And that lucky homeowner - you should all present your work—I'd be thrilled if a whole class painted my house!!
ReplyDeleteHi again Katherine! It was just me, then, having to have everything straight and even, lol! That's probably why drawing buildings drives me potty and I can never get them right. The medieval ones we have over here are especially 'cranky', angles all over the place ... but charming all the same :)
ReplyDeleteYou know what, you're right about the branches! the one branch kind of looks like an extension of the roof, doesn't it? If I knew more about oil painting, I would put it back on the easel and thicken up the evergreen quite a bit! As it is, I'm afraid to mess with it, for fear of ruining it.
ReplyDeletea topic with much warmth human, Katherine : )
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment that you missed seeing posts from me. I PROMISE I will start again. I have to go and see where I left off with my life! Everything is good here, wish the same for you!
I felt the chill of the air in this painting Katherine, it is so authentic! The glowing lighted windows and the little lamps next to the door caught my extra attention..
ReplyDeleteNever been to any art workshop so far.. wish I could do so..
Katherine, What a lovely painting! It reminds me of a Currier and Ives Christmas card!I would never be able to paint so much detail in a painting, and I so admire people that do it well, as you have!
ReplyDeleteI attend maybe pne or two workshops a year and I always get something out of them. Sometimes I come away feeling inadequate, but that's just my insecurities talking . After I go home I practice the new technique and if I like it, I keep it. Being with other artists in a workshop is always wonderful, and refreshing. I haven't attended a workshop in over a year, but I am signed up for one in January and looking forward to it.
This is so beautifully painted, Katherine! A Christmas Wreath on the door and you have a wonderful Christmas card!! I love my workshop and learn so much from them. We have "critique" time where we get other artists opinion which is very helpful. Again...love this piece!!!
ReplyDeleteI love how you changed the photograph and made it your own post card of a painting! Once again I admire how you pay attention to details.
ReplyDeleteI have not attended a full workshop in a while --dates have not worked out unfortunately. I love the excitement of learning, the camaraderie of fellow artists, and dedicated time to paint when I make it to one of the workshops :)
I haven't much experience of art workshops, I've taken lessons from some painters but I've never faced the challenge of making a painting from the beginning to the end just in two days following the suggestions of a teacher.
ReplyDeleteAs I can see, the result of your workshop is great! You have kept your individual style, but you surely have acquired something. Feeling some pressure on ourselves is often a good way to give our best! As some others have noticed, this painting would be a wonderful Christmas card, for the pleasant balance of colours, the atmosphere, the sense of peacefulness.
Wonderful, gorgeous painting! What a great Christmas card it would make too. I'm glad you were doing your own thing rather than slavishly following - that's what it's all about. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteGreat painting Kathrine! I agree with Gillian, it would be a perfect Christmas card. I love the atmosphere you created of night with snow, the warmth of the house glowing through the window, and those fantastic snow shadows!! Well done! I love taking workshops because I always come away feeling so inspired and ready for a fresh start on things. In a workshop it's always so exciting to see the variety of interpretations of one subject. Never two alike! It just goes to show that we really do have our own individual style.
ReplyDeleteNice art Katherine, I can smell winter already. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this painting!! I bet that home owner would be shocked:)) I've been thinking about painting this super cute little house around the corner that always has the most charming Holiday decor. Love the warm glow you got inside your cottage it looks so warm and inviting:)
ReplyDeleteThis painting make me thinking to Christmas...xo, Arianna!
ReplyDeleteThis painting has romanticism written all over it. The air, the light, the atmosphere, I could feel everything. It evokes a sense of belonging, along with longing. Wonderful work! I simply like it.
ReplyDelete