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| Still life arrangement from my easel |
It's forty six years since I last produced an oil painting. Today I produced three.
Back in 1971, my art teacher - Mr Doyle - asked me to create a large picture in oils for the school canteen. It was taller than me and about four feel wide. Working with a palette knife I made a picture of a woman hanging up washing on a line that had been strung across a street of terraced houses. It met with general approval.
Unfortunately, I have no photos of that painting and very much doubt that it survived various re-developments at Beverley Grammar School. In fact, I suspect that builders may have used it for mixing cement upon.. When all is said and done, all art is ephemeral.
It was at midnight last night that I clicked the button on this laptop and signed up for today's course at The Art House in the centre of Sheffield - "Introductory Workshop in Oil Painting" with Marcin Szuba. There were nine women and me.
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| My "sketches" |
A few basic techniques were quickly described and then we had to get on with two small "sketches" based upon a still life arrangement that Marcin had set up for us. Using one of these sketches we spent the afternoon making large paintings based on preferred "sketches" from the morning session.
I enjoyed the whole process even though my finished painting is nothing special. It was a learning process. In some ways, I found the oils easier to work with than watercolour. Oil is more forgiving. You can rub it away or paint over it. You can use your fingers or a knife. You can scrape it, thin it, thicken it.
Now I know what I will be asking for ahead of my umpteenth birthday next month - an artist's smock and one of those jaunty giant berets that were once favoured by old masters.
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| End result (Marcin to the right behind) Exclusively available for sale to Yorkshire Pudding visitors. Bids open at only $1000 (US) |
Well to my untutored eye, they look pretty good, YP. Sheffield seems to be good for all sorts of arts experiences. Keeps you out of mischief anyway, although just you with nine ladies .... !
ReplyDeleteYes nine ladies! I was very fatigued.
DeleteI've never been able to draw or paint anything so I'm quite impressed by those who can - and you can quite well! Was the art class a one-day thing, or will you go again? I hope you stick with this and show us more of your artwork. I might just rob the girls' piggy banks to bid on one :D
ReplyDeleteIt was a one-off day course Chris but there may be follow up sessions. I am not really one for joining anything but it's good to learn art techniques from people who are more skilled.
DeleteI hope your daughters have very big piggy banks - about the size of real pigs.
I admire anyone with artistic talent and you do have it. Nice to learn some new stuff in an area of interest. If I was American $1000 would be a steal, but in Canada that would be FAR too much!! ($1,239.73 as of today!)
ReplyDeleteIt's yours for a thousand Canadian bucks Jenny. I will even through in a jar containing genuine Yorkshire soil.
Deleteoops, busted :)
DeleteI should have typed "throw in" not "through in". I guess I was just so excited about selling you my masterpiece.
Deleteooh la la. The only painting I am good at is walls and skirtings. I'd be hopeless with oils and watercolours on canvas.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't paint then perhaps you can model ADDY. I hope you're not shy.
DeleteYou know, I took art classes all through high school and really loved to draw. I haven't done it in years and years, though, probably because I have too many interests and hobbies as it is. I think it's inspiring how you keep finding news ways to grow creatively. I want to be like you!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to be like me you'll have to grow taller, develop a deep voice and a Yorkshire accent and have two or three intimate operations. I don't think Gregg will be too happy about it!
DeleteAn interesting arrangement YP. I've only done three or four oils in my life - but last Christmas I had a set of Winsor and Newton Oilbars. Have a look on their website to check them out. They are weird, and it's rather like painting with a giant lipstick. Only used them once, and they have spent most of the summer in the fridge to stop them melting !
ReplyDeleteWhy not ask Mr Coppa to strip off and pose like a Greek god while you paint him? You don't want those oils to go to waste!
DeleteSadly Mr Coppa is no longer with us.
DeleteShould I ever be round your way, perhaps you'll volunteer instead ?
I am very sorry for my error. I hope it didn't cause you any grief CG. I would be happy to pose for you in the buff.
DeleteNever used oils, only watercolour and acrylic. I keep promising myself that I'll try them out one day. In the meantime I've still got a pair of gates to paint.
ReplyDeleteWill you be painting the gates in watercolour or acrylic?
DeleteI've only ever used watercolour and acrylic, too...and, coloured pencils and graphite, of course.
ReplyDeleteDid you ever have a look at that site I gave you, Yorkie...Wet Canvas?
Yes I did Lee. It's been a while since I went there but I picked up two or three good tips.
DeleteI was a bit nervous about oils but I shouldn't have been. It wasn't as hard as I thought it might be and so different from watercolour. Why not give it a try Lee?
I've not done any painting for quite a while...all my gear is collecting dust and cobwebs out in the back area. One of these days...maybe...
DeleteI found Wet Canvas to be a wonderful site when I was a regular visitor. I'm glad you had a look at it.
You are a capable artist as the pictures you have shared on your blog have shown. Please don't let that talent lie dormant any longer Lee. Get painting cobber!
DeleteI would be pleased with this picture if it was my effort. Keep at it.
ReplyDeleteThank you. You are always so kind Red. It's a nice trait to have.
DeleteGood for you! I admire anyone who can paint. It is definitely not my thing.
ReplyDeleteSurely you can paint a door Steve!
Deletethank you for this your broadcast provided bright clear concept..
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