New Technique in Oil

I had an opportunity to attend a class of a local artist Julie Hanson, who had attended the Cape Cod School of Art under Lois Griffel. (Her book is "Painting the Impressionist Landscape). Julie teaches this impressionistic style of plein air painting. The style can really only be done in oil. Basically, the technique is with palette knives only, and involves an under painting of the local color and values. First the lightest light is chosen and then the next 3 lightest values. These are called first notes, and are put on a white canvas or primed Masonite board. Next the darkest dark is established scaled down 2 more values. The under painting then consists of 7 values.

Concentration is also placed on the temperature of the color, warm or cool, and this is the basis of the under painting, rather than the local color. The local color is then applied wet into wet. It is a very intense process and ideally should be done in one sitting.

Julie uses Graham oil paints, which are in walnut oil. I used Lukas 1862 oils, as they are very reasonable on ASW or Jerry's Artarama.

One of the greatest advantages of this style in Plein air is the limited palette and the use of the palette knives. You do not have to take any solvents with you, just paper towels and a disposable palette.

The paintings here I did in the studio after the class to enforce what I learned.

Also see, posting on The Strange Tree.

New Method and Medium

One of my fellow artists from the pastel group invited me to a plein air class conducted by Julie Hansen from Sarasota. She teaches in the Cape Cod School of color method. This was a completely new experience for me. I had studied the book by Lois Griffel many years ago and wanted to attend her school but it fell along the wayside with other good intentions.

So this was one of those opportunities I could not say no too. I am so glad that I went. Julie is dynamic and explained the method to me very clearly. Although there is so much more to learn, one lesson is just the tip of the iceberg.

Well here is the result it is in oil and done with a palette knife only, so is much different than the work that I have been doing lately. I really enjoyed the day.

Bay Preserve in Osprey, Sarasota, Florida

This week the class went to a new park that has been purchased by the Sarasota Conservancy. The park at the present time is open to the public by appointment, but they are allowing artists to work there on an appointment basis. Our pastel plein air class was fortunate enough to be allowed for several hours on Tuesday morning. What a treat.

Presently they have moved the Sarasota Scullers to a location there, which is beautiful. They are hoping to have one of the building converted to an artist gallery with a retreat above. Wonderful plans for the community, and we were so fortunate to be able to go there before it has been revitalized. The main house is beautiful and next week I hope to be able to paint it if the light is right.

This is the old boat house on the bay and is so cute and relaxed. I loved every minute of painting this picture.