See it Draw It

Last year I joined up with a drawing group. They organize a once a week get together in the summer months at various interesting locations. We've been in a guitar shop, a sailboat club, artist homes plus more.



This year we began with Oak Grove Cemetery . It was right before Memorial Day and the flags were set to honor those that served their country.

Next up the owner of Norwegian  Fjord horses. A rare treat of a unique breed. This one I didn't do onsite since we had appointments so I stopped in for some photos and worked on it later. You can probably tell I put a bit more effort into this subject matter. 

We meet at Onalaska's Waterfront, where the Great River State Trail and Great River Road meet.

To finish off the first month Cottage Grove Nursery in West Salem was kind enough to allow us work while they were open.




Drawing at different settings with this group is a great exercise and opportunity to capture views we may not have happened to come across on our own.

It's amazing all the different styles of drawing among the group. Part of my discipline to grow my observational skills and composition.

Facade

Everyone wants that curb appeal. A facade that welcomes and invites guests into your home.

Our house is tucked into the woods and isn't visible from the road. As you come up the driveway the garage is right there and you still need to walk up stairs to get to the front of the house. Or as some would say the back, which faces into the woods.






To create some interest to an otherwise boring retaining wall I was excited to do my second mural, after one section of the wall had to be replaced since it was leaning.

Now this do over was an opportunity to do something different.


Here's my progress as I decide this time to use some of the same colors as before but took my inspiration from the textures of the concrete for terracota tiles and faux wood panels.

 I am trying to grow some moss on the wall to compliment the landscape. I used my native plants of ferns and jack-in-the-pulpit to fill the planters and tied in the subject matter of the tiles with plants and animals found in my yard.

I think it will grow on me and maybe still add a few more touches. I purchased a beautiful native vine from Driftless Area Natives in Trempealeau that will eventually grow over the arbor with beautifl white flowers.

Workshop Efforts

Latest results-11x14

Those that can make it look effortless.

After the workshop in Cedarburg I attempted to complete one of the paintings from my third day.

Trying to go back to the moment from memory and photos is not an easy task. But I owed it to myself and my teacher.

From workshop

I think some things got better and but some of the freshness is gone.

Photo subject matter

The painting site

2nd day of painting

I'm including my attempts from the first two days to remind myself , maybe they weren't so bad. But actually they were. I wiped them clean after the day to at least save the board for another try.

First day of painting

It's hard not to get gimmicky. Harder yet to apply the new things I've learned. I think I have the concept, now it's back to the easel and practice, practice, practice.

I did reward myself with some new tools.


A value view finder helps you analise your efforts. It's fun just to go around looking at things and seeing through different eyes. Even helps selecting a subject matter. I'm sure it will come in handy.

New tool

Here's my painting from 3rd day through the Value Finder.













My other new toy is this a double ended wipe out tool. It's great for lifting off and removing paint or even a brush hair and especially for signing.

I'll have to use with care since I'm inclined to wipe off the whole painting. I hope I'm worthy.

Wonderful Workshop

Gathering around the demonstration

I gained new insight into the art of plein air, through a workshop with artist Tom Nachreiner.


We set up for three days at the beautiful Felmer country estate near Cedarburg, Wisconsin to try and capture the light.

1st day demo

I may have done a bit more chasing than others.



A few workshop participants were novices like myself and others had already made great strides  painting plein air with oils for over a decade. No matter what your skill level the instructor started each day with a new approach. But the end results were always the same-fabulous.

2nd day demo

Some artists were competing in "Paint Cedarburg" a plein air event the following week. I made sure I went to cheer on my fellow artists. 

Be sure to visit a plein air event and see the artists at work. You'll be hooked like me.

3rd day demo

Tom covered the many challenges of painting outside and provided us with tips to overcome them.

One lesson that comes to mind is the "Lizard Brain". As we paint we use the cerebral cortex of our brain to make those critical decisions on composition, value and temperature of color.
Our brain power tends to diminish after about three hours and the brain switches to the amygdala, the more primal portion. Thus changing our decision making to rash and  emotional. Often damaging the results to the work in progress.

subject matter photo

You might guess were I'm going with this. I'll be posting my own painting results in an upcoming blog. I just need some time to finish. 

I took lots of photos of the demo's. Here's a series depicting the approach Tom takes to painting.


The subject matter is the photo to the right.

roughing in darks to lights

Beginning with the basic shapes of darks and then lights. Roughing in the subject matter with a thin layer of paint.

adding in colors

Adding color temperatures and creating the image forms. He likens the process to drawing with paint. As he paints he continues to adjust the forms for values.

refining and adjusting

He began this painting in the morning and finished it in the afternoon light. Always trying to keep the brush strokes fresh and not overworked. This is how you can tell the difference between a professional.

Tom Nachreiner

The painting may still be worked on back in his studio with fresh eyes and a refreshed brain.