Davis Bay
Posted: July 30, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 30 CommentsOf all the paintings I did on Lopez Island, I think this one looks the most like a Tom Hoffmann but I guess that’s what happens when you watch someone paint for several days. Your brush dips into the same colours on the palette, your hand moves the same way across the paper. Eventually you go back to your old painting patterns, good and bad, but hopefully that gets combined with all the knowledge that a great teacher has imparted.
On the airplane home from Vancouver I made some notes about what I hope to remember from this workshop. Here’s my little summary:
• Stay abstract as long as possible
• Keep those pure colours flowing
• Know when to put the brush down
I never really finished this study of the headlands in Davis Bay because I had to catch the ferry off the island. I suppose I could go back to it and add the details that I normally would — lots of little brushstrokes to define the rocks in the foreground — but I think I’ll just leave it as is and that will be the end to those four perfect days on Lopez Island.
Hi Shari. Thank you for sharing your experience! It has been especially fun for me to see your recent posts. I lived on the West Coast for 15 years (in Langley on Whidbey Island – a really cool little town if you are looking for more adventures out there. I can recommend the Shakespeare festival that is going on at the moment. Free (donation) and in a wonderful spot at a retreat center in the woods.) I have fond memories of all the places you are depicting. It is also so fun to see how your painting is developing in the class you are taking, with more contrasts and a changing color scheme. Makes me want to take another class soon. Let me know if you will be teaching one in Beaconsfield area this fall.
Thanks Susanne. I loved the West Coast. We did travel through Whidbey Island on the way from Port Townsend to Anacorted but sadly, had no time to visit properly. I would have loved to tour around Coupeville, see Deception Pass, etc but I guess that will have to be for next time. It’s a good thing we didn’t stop to sightsee because we made it directly onto the ferry for Lopez with no wait which is, from what people have told me, extremely rare.
As for fall courses, I am not offering anything in Beaconsfield in the fall. I teach at a CEGEP during the school year and that leaves no time for other teaching.
I love the deep colors. Beautiful!
Thanks so much!
Loved following your journey. I’m so inspired by your clean colors. It seems as if you lay your colors once and let it go. Just beautiful.
I try to do that Tony. It doesn’t always happen but I do try not to touch the paper too much with the brush in any one spot.
Hi Shari
Have a safe trip back. Thanks for the summary and for sharing all that you gleaned (and painted). Chris
Thanks so much Chris!
beautiful and simple, love it.
It’s great to hear from you Genine! Thanks.
Shari, I would not worry about including all the detail. That sketch captures the essence of this coast without any of the detail. Thanks for sharing it. Now I need to re-think what details might be needed and what can be left out.
It’s a great exercise to try Beverly. There’s always something that can be omitted once you start analysing a sketch.
I think that is just spectacular! I really get a feel for the place.
Thanks Bev. It was great seeing you yesterday.
Thanks for allowing us a spectacular journey with you…I love this last one…and yes, to commemorate what you learned you should not touch it. But do go back to being yourself eventually cause I love what you do….
Thanks Miz Dee. I think that is eventually what happens so don’t worry .
Very nice!
Thanks!
Oh, Shareeeee. Really fine work.
Thanks George!
Fresh, crisp, pure. Beautiful.
Thanks so much Don.
I love this painting. Less IS more!
Thanks!
This is superb. Vibrant, simple, strong and graphic. Stunning, I love it!
Thanks so much!
Is that a waterfall? Please tell me that’s a waterfall, because it’s so perfectly done!
No waterfall Jason. Just the light on the rocks.
J’aime bcp la sobriété de ce sketch. C’est super tel quel! Tes rochers sont magnifiques.
Merci Charles!