Tyler White O’Brien Gallery on State Street in Greensboro, NC was the location of an early April weekend workshop led by artists Helen Farson and Laine Francis. As the Gallery’s first co-teaching team, this “dynamic duo” was warming up for a week-long art course they will teach in Provence in the fall. Can you imagine the excitement of being taught by two gifted teachers? Painting from photos was the focus…specifically photographs taken by Helen and Laine during their plein air painting excursions in southern France. We sat enthralled as the demonstrations unfolded, Helen the first day, Laine the second. Interspersed were the words of wisdom we had come to expect having sat before their easels on other occasions. “Try to forget what the object is before you. Keep it simple. Let the painting have depth in order to invite. Think twice--paint once. Are you a willow tree or an oak? Live on the edge. Be your own star”

 

Another highlight was “going to school” when our teachers, who had studied together with many master artists, shared memorable moments from C.W. Mundy, Quang Ho, Lori Putnam, Carolyn Anderson, and others. “Painting requires strategic patience,” Helen reminded us. Once again we went over C.W. Mundy’s Seven Fundamental Truths: drawing, squinting, design, value, color, edges and paint manipulations, and were reminded of the concept, delayed absorption. Helen assured that with time we would be able to understand more fully. Instead of selecting one of their photographs, I decided to paint one taken during my own travels in Provence in September 2015. I chose the stunning pear trees in Christel’s garden. I hope you notice the “sweet spot” where the prominent pears catch the sunlight.

At the end of each workshop day we were exhausted. Remember, painting is about making a thousand decisions. When Gallery owner Kathy O’Brien emerged from the kitchen with colorful macaroons and glasses of French rosé, we sighed with gratitude. A “Prelude to Provence” wouldn’t be complete without this familiar celebration. Next fall my artist friends Susan and Beth and others will accompany Helen and Laine to Gourdes, France where Huff Harrington of Atlanta has a lovely villa. Plein air painting, colorful markets, and good food and wine await.

 

A takeaway statement from Laine that particularly resonated was that paintings are gifts of ourselves to others. Whether they be golden pears, white roses or children at play, my personal goal is that my paintings make people happy. A quest for joy.