Thursday, 16 May 2013

Back in the Saddle

After a few little local difficulties, medical and bereavement I've managed to get a little painting this week. I was originally scheduled to be on a course with the wonderful American painter, Charles Reid, but events conspired to stop me going on my original booking. Other complications made it just possible for me to attend two days with Charles during this week and I will post something about it when I can get round to it. In the meantime my fellow blogger, Peter Ward (watercolourfanatic.blogspot.com), is recording his experience with Charles during last week. Recommended reading.

One of the exercises that Charles likes to have students work at is one where you take a monochrome photograph and make a painting based on the image. This is my effort during one of those sessions. The photograph I selected is a well known shot of John Singer Sargent at work.

It was wonderful to get the brushes damp again after an enforced break. Not quite finished off but satisfying nevertheless.


John Singer Sargent - Watercolour on Not paper 16" x 12"

12 comments:

RH Carpenter said...

Gorgeous reds in the skintones! I've seen this photo and like your interpretation a lot. Hope all is well now with you :) Now I'll have to go over and check out your friend's blog to see what Mr. Reid was doing.

Sharon Whitley said...

Life sure does throw some things at us - and usually all at the same time - but I do hope that things are settling down for you and that your health in particular is well - painting helps in times of stress - if you can find time to get the paints out that is! Wonderful portrait of the great man and glad you at least got to do some work with Charles Reid - he's an inspiration isn't he!

Ray Maclachlan Art said...

Nice work Mick, excellent colours. Once you incorporate the figure into the background, you're on a winner. Trust you're feeling much better now.

Peter Ward said...

Sorry you've had further problems Mick and could only attend the workshop for two days. I like this one even if he seems suspended in thin air (more to do?). Really bold colours. Hope you are back to 100% soon. Best wishes.

Yvonne Harry said...

Really like what you have done, Mick. Look forward to seeing it finished. Glad things are getting better for you

Unknown said...

Rhonda - thanks a lot. All is well and glad to be fit enough to enjoy a little work with Charles.

Unknown said...

Sharon - Thanks. Things are settling down and it's good to be able to take my mind off the downs in life by painting, particularly given the opportunity to enjoy time with Charles Reid.

Unknown said...

Ray - Cheers. You are right, a little incorporation required to finish it off.

Unknown said...

Peter - Thanks for the good wishes. There is a little more to do to finish it off.

Unknown said...

Yvonne - Thanks for good wishes and glad you like the progress so far.

Felicity said...

I love the shadows and your freedom of using colors... will add you in my wach list - do not want to skip your works - they are so! so breathstopping :)

Unknown said...

Natalie - Thanks for stopping by and for making such kind comments.