Summer School with Gregory Smith

I drove to Queens Park in Essendon this afternoon.

At this time of year, Greg conducts plein air painting sessions. It’s really a great privilege to have this opportunity. 

From 1-4pm we paint, then he does a demo. 

It was cloudy and patchy drizzle at first. I set up my easel here, looking towards a cafe across the lake. 

What I learned from him today was, “Get big tonal shapes right!”  I’ve heard him saying a million times, but, it’s always a great reminder. Also his timely suggestions were very useful. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Then he did a great demo from almost the same view point. It’s really fascinating to see how he starts and develops tonal structures. It is like watching a magic.
It was a great day.