Painting from Life
On January 11, 2007 Drew Neagle wrote:
How do Jerry! At last the web site has been revamped and it looks good. So Jerry what's your feeling today about still life? How has it improved your work? Who is your inspiration at the moment regarding the direction of your work?
Take care,
Drew
Comments
On January 12, 2007 Jerry Markham wrote:
Hi Andrew,
Still life, for me, is an important part of painting. It allows me to paint from life indoors and have the freedom to paint in controlled conditions. Painting from life in general is a huge part of learning how to see. To see what values and colors are doing in the shadows that lurk is interesting and often surprising to me still. Reflected light and the temperature of colors is fun to explore in a still life as you can use very vibrant colors such as bright green apples or purple lilacs. These things are not generally things that will show themselves in photos and that's why it is important to paint from life. At the moment my inspiration or torment has been coming from the more artistic painters. I have been trying hard to balance the technical with the "arty-ness" of some painters such as Walt Gonske or even Sergei Bongart or Nicholai Fechin. So I have been looking around at a lot of different art and Carolyn Anderson is a great example of art and technique. I would like to hear what other peoples thoughts are on this subject. If you want to, weigh in enter your comments. Thanks Andrew,
Jerry
On January 14, 2007 David J Veres wrote:
Hey Jerry,
Your comments on still life rings true. For me it opens up an opportunity to see the object in that all so important 3rd dimension. It is interesting to see how an artist like Mattise would create a almost 2 dimensional collage out of his still life's he would set up. Perhaps it is important to keep in mind that a still life is a great reference to explore your own interpretation of it and than truly make it your own. On that note, it really does transfer to our working outdoors. I think you will agree that getting to that place where maybe most won't venture pumps up the adrenaline and some thing really good comes out of it, like a painting that tells a story. Capturing Canada like this is challenging and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer that might never get there or would love to some day. That to me should be the goal of a "plein air" painter and to educate everyone they know what we are doing. As long as they can physically do it, there really isn't any excuse! David J
On January 21, 2007 Wm. F. Reese wrote:
Jerry,
Your comments on still life are interesting so I just thought I'd throw in my two cents worth. In my experience it has become apparent that every subject and every medium forces new assessments as well as answers. The still life allows us a patient and controllable model, one where we do not have to chase the light. It also gives us the opportunity to experiment with light, color, and form; at the same time forcing our drawing to a little higher level. The figure especially the nude figure forces our drawing skills to an even higher level as well as seeing temperature differences. By the way Jerry, that Lake O'Hara piece is killer. Yours Truly, Bill
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