Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Laura Watmough's September Newsletter


Laura's latest efforts have been a large waterlily and a large ( 48x60) Iris.
"I am painting heritage plants, the plants that you Grandmother or Great Aunt gave you and you have passed along to the neighbor's down the street. It seems that these plants are our roots literally and we take them from one house to the other when we move. I have some wonderful ferns from MEME, my mom's mother and glorious peonies from my MOM that I must have taken a thousand pictures of. Inside I have a shamrock plant that is indestructible from Grandma Walsh and a Christmas cactus from the Quinton's Grandmother. This painting is done using the glazing technique that allows the colors nearest the canvas to still peek through the top layer.


This month painting is all about getting outdoors and capturing the colors of autumn on canvas. Plein air painting is great fun and an even better excuse to be out enjoying the last warm days left in the year. Laura, Doris Charest and Shairl Honey , Alberta members of the Oil Painters of America will be hosting the second annual Great North Paint Out Sept 15,16,17 9:30-12:30. This plein air/social event is open to all Alberta members in all mediums. Meet at Hidden Talent for a map of painting locations and plan to visit at lunch in a local restaurant. Advanced registration is required. Gallery Show opportunity for Oct.!
Book your calendar for OPENING NIGHT FRI.SEPT. 29 @ 7:00

Hidden Talent Fine Art School was fortunate enough to host a DOUG SWINTON plein air workshop in late August. Here are a combination of tips from Doug and Laura.
Start withdrawing your subject with burnt sienna or burnt umber( Doug says to throw bs away and Laura LOVES it....Try it and see for yourself!)
Use thin paint first...Thin with ecohouse and paint the shapes. Remember a maximum of 5 shapes in a painting (Sargent's rule). Thicker paint is added last...if using Liquin, this will help your paint slide over a wet area and is great for details.