My New Studio

I moved into my new studio on April 1st. It’s s more than 15x24… 360sq ft…wow! I’m planning on some large canvases so the space will get used.

I have started reading an old painting book from 1924. It’s funny to see the artist’s perception of modern art. Most believe most realists today would find his views quaint and naïve. The book is called “Oil Painting Techniques and Materials” by Harold Speed.

I think I am starting to get a grip on the alla prima technique. I think it is not explained well enough in most books. The key seems to be the modeling of large, simple shapes and planes. Most artists with enough experience to draw details will have difficulty with this. I am avoiding all details in my future reproductions. I know this discipline is the key.

Oh yeah, I am currently reproducing a series of works by masters. The first attempt shows a lot of raw brushstrokes, the second is more refined. My third and last attempt is still a line drawing… the first five drawings were crap so I am happy to be at this point. I usually don’t have a problem with my drawings but drawing with a thin brush is like drawing with a graphite pencil, something I’ve abandoned years ago.