Painting on Exmoor

Just returned from a few days on Exmoor, tutoring at Shorland Old Farm. The weather was, well, very British summer time, but we did get to paint outside a couple of times. Everyone had a go at painting the farmhouse and I managed to paint this demonstration during the morning.

'Balancing Points'

I have written something for the latest edition of Leisure Painter. It's the first of a two part article on perspective. Part one concentrates on linear perspective and provides hints on getting angles right. An otherwise good painting can be let down by just a stray line or two so it's worth taking the time to get it right.
I've illustrated it with paintings, which demonstrate key points in the text.

Part two, in the next issue, will be on the equally important topic of aerial, or atmospheric, perspective. This deals with atmosphere and colour, and where to place colours within a scene. Colours tend to appear cooler and paler as they recede. Aerial perspective can be used to create mood in a painting...

but that's for the March issue.

'Dartmouth'

I had my first workshop at the Butterfly Art & Craft Studio, for Art & Craft Days, on the 13th July. 'Villages and Town Landscapes' was the theme, and here's one of my demo's from the day. It's a town scene in Dartmouth, which I chose to illustrate a few tips on perspective.
Many thanks to Brian and Julie for making me feel welcome, and providing me with a wonderful lunch (and lots of tea and coffee). I'll be back next year!

'Totnes High Street'

This view of the clock/bridge in Totnes High Street, Devon, is painted from the top of the hill. It also makes a good subject painted from the bottom of the hill, looking up. The strong sun, coming from the left, bounces light into the shady side of the street and the windows create reflections on the road surface.

'Totnes'

  I chose this unusual format for the painting, as I thought the narrow shape lent itself to the street scene. 
  Totnes is just a short bus ride away from us, and is a place I visit often. The town dates back to AD 907. It has many ancient buildings, including a Norman Castle, and is said to contain more listed buildings than any other town.
  Scenes looking up, or down, a hill make interesting subjects and are a real test of your grip of the laws of perspective.