19 February 2019

Back to Basics


Art class comprised a group of retired ladies painting pictures of flowers and cute animals from images on their Ipads.  I didn’t expect anything else really.  However, the tutor seems to be a very skilled water colourist so I am sure I can learn something from her.  She was very excited when I said I would have a go at anything.  After explaining the finer points of perspective she put together a still life composition of two pots, a plastic orange and some dead leaves.  I spent nearly two hours sketching it and almost lost the will to live.

24 comments:

  1. Why did she bother with the dead leaves? I am sure you were a breath of fresh air to the teacher. It seems tough going in the very first class to spend almost the entire time on one exercise. It can only get better!

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    1. I was more interested in what was going on outside through the window (the market square).

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  2. Maybe you're just a little rusty and need to just relax and take your time getting back into it. I would love to learn more about watercolors. They seem to have a mind of their own and don't do what I expect them to do!

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    1. Maybe I'll actually get my paints out next time.

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  3. Glad you didn't succumb to your "end of life" feeling!

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  4. Dead leaves, no. And no point in having that cork in the bowl either. Much better to set-up a still life that tells you what's what instantly. A good set-up is half the battle.

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    1. It was very uninspiring but I didn't dare interfere with her set-up.

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    2. I think you should have. You can't (or wouldn't want to) paint anything that is uninspiring. It should have had some height contrast too.

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    3. It is the worst still life set up I have ever seen! Have a look at some of Bonnard's still lifes for inspiration before you go to the next class!

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  5. Oh dear, doesn't sound like two hours of fun! Hope things improve

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  6. Why don't you take Rick next time and paint him!

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  7. Give it another chance and if you do not like it do not go, it's the advantage of having the freedom to choose just what you want.

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    1. I'm hoping that I shall actually learn something from the tutor but I don't think it's going to be a long term thing.

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  8. In observing that still life arrangement you were honing your powers of concentration and observation. That's got to be a good thing as you resurrect and enhance your artistic talent. If you stick with it I am sure you will learn a lot from your teacher.

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  9. Gee, I was just going to say that I loved that little jug (I thought it was yours when I first saw the picture)! Learning how to paint with watercolours (or anything for that matter) is on my list of "things to do when I retire". I put the rest of my family to shame, as they are all very artistic and creative. -Jenn

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    1. That jug was incredibly hard to draw accurately.

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  10. Oh dear it doesn't sound very inspiring. Hopefully it will improve!

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    1. I might have to inspire myself. I'm not sure still life is my thing.

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  11. Oh Sue - your post did make me laugh this morning, especially the last line. Sadly this is village life I am afraid but everybody means well.

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    1. I have to say everyone has been incredibly welcoming here.

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