Landscape, with Ryan Daffurn
Introduction
Study of the landscape is best begun directly from life. Local parks and streets, close to the studio are the subjects for our drawings and painting.
We are juggling many ideas at once when painting. A chief aim of landscape painting is the creation of a sense of deep space. This space is created by a succession of objects, which are all under a light source (the sun/sky) changing through an amount and quality of atmosphere.
Our aim, when learning to paint is creating a believable and engaging painting of a particualr landscape, at a specific time of day.
For artists, creating images fluently, unhindered by obstacles is the ideal. Fumbling with our palette, or knowing how to apply paint, and being without sufficient knowledge of our visual language are issues we don't want to get in the way of expressing our ideas. When we begin to study the landscape, there is seemingly infinite information to choose from. This makes it difficult to realise what is the important information we need to organise in our paintings, from what is incidental and distracting. Though art is complex, there is a visual logic we can learn about that will convey what we see and experience two-dimensionally. Becoming fluent with this visual language, which includes concepts about form and light, perspective and vision itself, we paint from our knowledge as well as being senetive to a specific subject. By addressing issues such as; conveying form on a flat surface away from the subject, the more aware we are to find the right cues and information when we go back to the landscape.
The landscape makes painting even more difficult, as the effects of light and atmosphere change so quickly. We need to be prepared for the flux in conditions, and decide what it is we want to paint as we start. Sounds easy. Having a process to apply (and adapt) is a priority for the student. A logical and sequencial process to painting, gives us a confidence to approach any subject. When we internalise the visual concepts, and have a fluent working process we are armed to capture in paint what strikes us.
For most students, the first few classes begin with drawing. By exploring basic visual concepts without the complicated issues of painting we are prepared when we pick up a brush. The Drawing class outlines those basics.
Enrol by notifying us that you would like to attend, via our online message form or call us. Then come along to one of our scheduled classes.
Class details:
Beginner landscape painting
Intermediate landscape painting
Please contact Ryan Daffurn for more information on classes and materials.