Sunday, March 30, 2014

Scott Christensen Workshop

"Plantation Drive"
6"x8" oil on Canson oil paper
NFS

 "Plantation Road" phase 1

A couple of weeks ago I attended a workshop taught by Scott Christensen, held at a wonderful spot on the Cooper river, near Charleston SC. Despite a lot of rain, it was an incredible experience. The focus was on making quality paintings, and the things one needs to do to make that happen. And how those things involve your brain more often than your paintbrush. I don't have a lot I want to show, but this one I was particularly pleased with, and I think it illustrates some of what we learned.

The phase 1 photo shows my initial stab at the painting. With Scott's help, it became the version at the top. Though the orientation and even value of the road was in reality more like the phase 1 image, I think the foreground of the finished painting is much more effective and gives a better flavor of the place. What do you think?

2 comments:

  1. The second one is more effective for leading you into the painting's sweet spot. The road in your original is leading one past it. You created a nicer feel in the second. Nice lesson, nice job!

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  2. Wow! Is it rude to say that there is a huge difference between version 1 and 2? I love it - sounds like you got a lot out of the workshop.

    Also is it fair to say you didn't change much in the background but just reorganized the foreground? I can't see big differences in the trees/house etc. It's amazing how it changes the whole balance and atmosphere of the scene.

    Bravo Bobbi.

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