The Architecture of Light - Watercolor Painting Workshop w/ Thomas Schaller
A final painting is begun by the artist long before his or her brush ever touches the paper. As artists, we observe the world around us and are constantly – often subconsciously - forming paintings in our minds. And as artists, I believe it is our job - and our joy - to learn how to see the world in our own unique way; how to identify what it is that will result in the best possible paintings that only we could do; paintings that tell the stories only we wish to tell.
The most important question we can try to answer as painters is; “What is your intent? What is it you wish to paint and why?” What is it about a subject that speaks to you? And how can you find a personal way of expression – your own unique voice – to communicate that to others?
As an artist, it is “light” that is the constant narrative in my work. So when I am deciding on what it is I wish to paint, I concentrate less on specific objects – places or things – and more on the strength of a strong abstract value composition of darks and lights. A common phrase we often hear is: “Mother Nature is the best teacher.” While I agree that real world observation is a crucial skill for the artist, no less so are the lessons to be learned from memory, dreams, and pure invention.
In my workshops, painting indoors or out, I demonstrate the fundamentals - and crucial importance - of identifying strong compositional subjects for the artist. No amount of technical expertise or finesse evident in a final painting can compensate for a composition lacking in the strength and clarity of a strong initial intent – a main idea - and a solid value organization. We will try to learn how to see the beautiful and infinite compositions all around us – and within us - in the most grand and most humble of scenes.
Additionally, a theme of my workshops is duality – the dialogue between opposing forces that find resolution – or not – upon the paper’s surface. The vertical vs. the horizontal / the light vs. the dark / lost vs found edges / clarity vs. obscurity / warm tomes vs. cool tones / man-made elements vs the natural world, etc. We will explore some of the endlessly compelling compositional possibilities of this topic.
Event Links
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