Watching Martin “Marty” Weekly paint plein air in Mineral King was a huge privilege and a great learning opportunity. It is one thing to take a workshop in Georgia, where everything is unfamiliar. It is another thing to watch someone paint a landscape that I know very well, so I can understand how decisions are made to include some items and simplify or ignore others.
Here are some of the many things that Marty taught me in the 3 hours we stood there together:
- If your brush feels comfortable, try the next size up. (Why? I try to do this so that I get the painting finished in a timely manner, but I think Marty does this so he doesn’t get overly detailed.)
- Cobalt blue with white mades a very accurate sky color.
- All paintings look terrible in the beginning, even if you are as terrific as Marty Weekly!
- Adjust the parts of your painting to suit you and make the best composition possible, while retaining the recognizable characteristics of the scene.
- No one finishes on location; almost every plein air painter knows there will be finishing required in the studio.
- Turpentine from the hardware store is good enough – no need to pay for overpriced art supply turpentine.
- There is a brush cleaner available from the hardware store that will salvage any dried-out brush (I can’t wait to try this!)
- Try Permanent Rose instead of Alizarin Crimson for one of the mixing reds. (Why? I have this color, so I will find out!)
I am looking forward to seeing the finished painting! Since the intended recipients are friends of mine, I will ask to see a photo, and hope I can show you.
2 Comments
9. Plein Air means you don’t necessary paint what you see (e.g. add a mountain, change trees, etc.)?
Because plein air artist have to simplify, they often do some serious editing and adjusting of the facts.
Comments are closed for this article!