"Figure Study/Kathryn" (my 400th blog post!)6 x 12, oil on canvas
and her husband Ray Roberts this month. This was my third opportunity to paint with Peggi, and as I have said before, she is one of my favorite people on the planet. Not only is she an excellent teacher, but no one could be more kind, gracious and humble. I was especially delighted to meet Ray and have the good fortune to paint with both of them this time around. (to see their work, click on their names above)
My friend, artist Anne Neilson organized the workshop in lovely Charlotte, NC. If you have never been to Charlotte, let me just say it is one of the most charming and enchanting cities ever.
And I just had to include the photo below of Ray's palette because it serves as an excellent example of proficient paint quality and texture, and reminds me of a brilliant concept Camille Przewodek first revealed when I studied with her a few years back. I have never forgotten it because it was a huge "Aha!"moment for me, and a point I have struggled to incorporate into my painting process ever since. She disclosed that when offering a critique to her students, she studies their palettes more than their paintings, because the palettes reveal infinitely more about the level of understanding attained so far--or, in most cases, everything the students have not yet grasped! And once you see what she is talking about, you realize that It Is So True! For example, if we are in the habit of mixing separate little piles of color (and values) all over the palette, it will translate to poor value and color relationships in the painting. In contrast, look at how masterfully Ray's palette illustrates the importance of juxtaposing similar values, allowing him to easily compare and tweak the temperature of the paint. As Ray pointed out, if you get the relationships correct on the palette first, they will hold together and read correctly in the painting later. And we just can't get these thick, luscious brushstrokes and blends of color if we lay out tiny little blobs of paint on the palette to begin with (another mistake beginners often make).
Peggi emphasized this point further with a favorite quote, often repeated by her mentor, artist John Asaro:
"Value does all the work but color gets all the glory!"
9 comments:
I love Peggi's work! I would like to take a workshop from her, but so far I haven't had the opportunity. Thanks for sharing the information about Ray's palette (another great artist!). It sounds so logical and yet I'm all over the place. Good tip!
Your painting is great. I like the shapes and simplicity of it.
Wanted to take their workshop but timing didn't allow it. Thanks for sharing and by the way it's a small world. I live in Charlotte. As always, enjoying your blog.
It's so funny... When I saw the thumbnail of your image I said to myself WOW... that's so beautifully and simply stated.... Like Peggi Kroll Roberts' work!
Ha... then I read what you had to say... And the colors on Ray's palette.
I've never painted with Peggi but I have painted with Ray and totally enjoyed it. Will have to do it again.
Be well!
very interesting about studying the palettes more than the paintings. ;-)
very nice painting.
paz
Congratulations on your 400th post!! I'm sure they are always excited to paint with you, too!
Love the red dress and the strong blue shadown. Very cool!
Wonderful figure study, Faye. Congratulations on your 400th posting!
Love the simple lines of this figure. You certainly aced those values!
I love this shot. It's a perfect abstract!!
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