Summer School with Gregory Smith

My painting teacher Greg conducts summer school in January. I was able to attend today’s session at John Morley Reserve in Williamstown. 

I chose this spot, wanting to learn how to deal with so many things going on.

His suggestions are, focus on primary objects, in this case, boats at front, and loosen up everything else. 

He did a demo first. Seeing the different tones in sky and water. The sky was walm grey, Raw Umber and White. The water is cool grey, Alizarin, French Blue and White. 

I think I ended up warming the sky too much with Naples Yellow Deep in this one. 

I learned a lot. I spent 2.5 hours. 

Unfinished 

Oil on canvas. 12x16 in. 

Then he did a fabulous demo. It’s incredible watching him paint boats. They were small but he was still able to see tonal subtleties and creat 3D forms. 

And, composition! Creating a visual pathway for viewers. 

Also, the way he did ducks! Putting dark blobs first, then, reshaping it from outside. Voilà!

Then I took a long walk. I’m glad it didn’t rain. I was able to resist temptation of getting fish&chips and ice cream today 😉

It was a great day.