Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Jill Carver Workshop Day 4

Side Streets of Rico
6" x 8" oil
$100.00 + $10. s/h

The 4th day of Jill Carver's workshop was spent painting old buildings on the back streets of Rico.  Rico, Colorado has a population of 250, so there aren't really many side and back streets!  Like many old western towns, Rico had a much larger population in the mining days.  Many of the buildings are old mining structures, or from that era.
Then shed on the right has seen better days and parts of it are falling over.  The challenge here was do I fix it a little or not?!  I am aware that the windows are tilted, but, they were that way!

Some of Jill's points from this day:
--Use your sketchbook to try out different compositional ideas.
--From your thumbnail sketch draw your concept on the canvas, work only from your thumbnail at this point, you have already processed what is necessary information and what isn't.
--Stick to simple shapes and simple masses.  Make sure that you convey your original concept.
--Try to shoot for 3 or 4 main masses, no more than 5.
--Keep the masses strong, use large brushes to block in the main shapes.

8 comments:

Debbi Smith Rourke said...

This is lovely. Like the rickety window - part of the charm. Thanks for sharing tips from Jill's workshop!

Nancy B. Hartley said...

Pam, love your painting, and tips from the workshop! It's all good!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

I like the architectural drama here, Pam! Way to go, and thanks for the tips!

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

You make it look easy. I know it's not!

Joanne Hanson said...

I particularly liked her comment about sketching in your painting from the sketchbook rather than starting over. I usually do the sketch, put it away, and start over! Now I know not to...

Anonymous said...

You definitely captured it Pam. I love these little mining towns. They do have a great deal of charm. Sounds like a great workshop!
~ Kathleen

Karen Bruson said...

Thanks so much for sharing your workshop information.
Enjoy the class.

Pam Holnback said...

Debbi, Thank you. Jill's a great teacher. You should see if she does a workshop when in Austin.

Thank you Nancy, Glad to share the tips.

Kelley, Thanks. I plan on doing more old Rico buildings.

Katherine, Thank you. Perspective takes time to sketch out, but the rustic feel is fun.

Thank you Joanne, It was so good to meet you. Another great thing about blogging, you may actually meet your friends!

Kathleen, Thank you. I, too, love these old western towns.

Thank you Karen. It's motivating to go out and take a workshop, as you know!