Hmmm, long time no blog, eh? Must try harder.
But I’ve not been entirely idle, I’m pleased to say. Last weekend my painting friend Andy and I went on a course at the Leeds College of Art. Titled ‘Atmospheric Acrylics,’ the objective was to look at the techniques used by the artist David Tress, focusing on landscapes.
We’d chosen this course as it looked like it might help us to loosen up our painting techniques in acrylic – we weren’t disappointed! The tutor wasted no time in getting us to scrunch up and stick paper (and anything else we fancied) onto boards to provide a basis for painting. We were encouraged to expand the boundaries of our boards, which was interesting – I think I might keep working on that idea. I’ve never tried to mix collage and paint, and I found the process at first a bit bewildering, then, very quickly, liberating. The tutor expected that we would be churning out four to five pieces, from small to large, during our 5 hours on the course. That seemed ambitious at first, but the techniques we were using were very fast indeed. The tutor was excellent, and provided lots of welcome encouragement and advice where needed.
Big brushes, splattering, sticking, smearing and scraping – all pretty new territory for me, and I loved it. I definitely made lots of mistakes and errors of judgment, but it didn’t matter as the day was all about experimentation and freedom from constraint.
What did I take away from this experience (apart from paint spatters all over me)? Well, I think that I would be happy to use all the elements – torn paper, expanded boundaries, splattering, broad brushwork – again. I’d like to experiment with incorporating some of these powerful techniques into my own style of painting. Should be both challenging and fun!
Ah ha! I was just thinking I’d not seen you around recently 🙂 these are great, I think my favourite is the 4th – waves crashing against rocks so forcefully that the painting has shattered 🙂
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Thanks Nicola! I have to confess that the picture you like best is one where I was trying to directly copy a picture of the artist’s – proving you know your onions! 🙂 🙂
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Oh no! I like them all though, that one just caught my eye the most 🙂
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Hehe, don’t worry, it made me chuckle! 🙂
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I agree with Nicola. It truly has that effect !! Extremely Talented!
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Thanks so much for the lovely comment! 🙂
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Sounds like a great experience and I love your pictures! Very interesting and very different…
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Oh, it was a very good experience – I think I might be signing up for more of their courses in the future, time and money permitting. Glad you like the fun results! 🙂
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It is always good to try something different… I know I should do more of this too 🙂
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🙂
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Whoa!… That’s nice!…
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Cheers Dave – very kind of you to say so! 🙂
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beautiful paintings, lovely colors and compositions
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Thanks for your lovely comment – much appreciated! 🙂
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Back with a bang! I really cannot pick a single favourite – so bold, you wouldn’t know it was such new territory! And, most of all, it just looks like you had so much fun. 🙂 I especially like the expansions; they really do seem to give the pieces an extra dimension.
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You’re very generous Jacob – thank you so much. And yes, I did have a blast doing them! 🙂
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Great paintings…1, 4 and 5 very nice! Must have been a fun and liberating course.
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Thank you so much (and 1 is my favourite) – I felt it was a very good course indeed, especially for someone as rooted in the ‘literal’ depiction as I am. 😉
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II have always liked the concept of breaking into the mount with the painting as it is almost like trying to grab hold of the viewer, not letting them get away so easily and getting their involvement – anything to sell the piece. Nice work..
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Thank you very much Graham – I’m sure you’re absolutely right about breaking down the boundaries. We’re so used to seeing things in ‘boxes’ that it can be quite arresting when a picture breaks the mould a little… And now I’m left wondering how best to frame the one my friend has chosen for her birthday. Hmmm… 🙂
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With a plain wood frame (I use ash, but plain pine would be ok) you could even bring the painting onto the frame with the acrylics.
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Ah, that’s an interesting idea! I really like the idea of an ash frame too. Thank you Graham.
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Nice
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Cheers! 🙂
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Wow Rebecca, these paintings are seriously stunning. They completely grab your attention and I love them all. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next 😉
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Thanks very much Tori! I’m still buzzing from the workshop, not sure quite how I’ll incorporate the elements at home, but I’m sure something will come along in due course… 🙂
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It sounds like it was a very worthwhile experience. I’m definitely going to take a look and see what workshops they are running at Leeds next year based on your results, they’re great 💜
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Oh yes – definitely worth a look. My friend Andy has attended 3 different workshops now (acrylics, experimental watercolours and life drawing) and has found each one well taught and a good experience. Maybe see you there one day? 😉
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That’s good to hear. When I get one booked I’ll let you know 😊
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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I’ve been to Leeds but not to an art class there – and I love how you are sharing your artistic experiences that you have Andy are enjoying, seeing your different styles.
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I’m so glad! Thank you. 🙂 ❤
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These are fantastic 😀 Best, Russell.
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Thanks for the encouragement Russell! Much appreciated. 🙂
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These are beautiful, colors, texture, all. I do want to get back to acrylics again one of these days, and this certainly makes it even more appealing. (K)
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Oh, that’s good to hear, and thank you! 🙂
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Your artwork is really interesting. I really like painting #2 the colors and texture just pop out. The mixture of brushstrokes and paint splatter give the painting depth which is one reason I really like it.
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