In the last two months I have had the opportunity to reunite with my Provence artist friends and to study once more with our inspiring teachers, Laine Francis and Helen Farson, respectively. Both workshops were painting from photos. With Laine, I returned to Cassis and the busy, colorful marina on the Mediterranean Sea. I was determined to tackle the detail and complexity of the harbor and worked at length on the value shifts in the water movement. For Helen, I retrieved a photo of a windmill on the estate of Chateau de Sannes in southern France where I painted plein air in the fall of 2015. The challenge I faced was to draw the eye to the light that was cast on the roof. I used my new favorite color, radiant turquoise.
Words are inadequate to describe the quality of instruction offered by these two teachers. Laine had just returned from Plein Air South and, as characteristic, shared many strategies from world renown artists including Anne Blair Brown and Kathleen Hudson. We learned about linear and atmospheric perspective and the contrasting temperature of chroma. Characteristic of Helen were philosophical quotations from favorite authors: Maya Angelou, Mark Twain and Mary Oliver. Our study was to paint from a master artist; I chose Sorolla. Both teachers return us to the seven painting foundational truths of C. W. Mundy: drawing, squinting, design, value, color, edges and paint manipulation.
Beyond painting skills, we receive from Laine and Helen words of wisdom that extend both to painting and our personal lives. Here are a few foundational truths from these gifted teachers.
There are no mistakes in painting, only opportunities to learn. Eventually you’ll find a path.
What is your story? Does your painting intentionally demonstrate a unique and worthwhile idea?
Be willing to learn, open to change and surround yourself with the best teachers and people who make you happy.
Be as good as you can today. You are enough” (Kathy Leuke).
Our hearts connect to each other through caring.
Be fearless
Simplify
Use tuition and JOY
Dance
Helen asked us to think of a word to describe our expectations for the three-day workshop at Carlton Gallery. My word was trust. Trust in my ability to persevere through the challenges of creating a painting and trust in personal relationships. She ended the session with these words: Everyday God gives you a gift. You just have to untie the ribbons. How is your heart? My heart is dancing.
