Blog

Mexico City Paintings

3/25/2014 3:46:13 PM

  I heard that Mexico City is huge.  But it is really convincing when your airplane flies over this densely-populated city for what it seemed like an eternity and you see just houses upon houses as far as your eyes could see all the way to the horizon.  You have to see it to believe it.   During my workshop week in Mexico City recently, my host and her family showed me many corners of this megalopolis that 20+ million people call home.  No matter where you go, chances are that you spend a considerable amount of time in a car in this city, [...]

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Mexico City Workshop

3/12/2014 1:00:59 AM

  So I was going to do an outdoor workshop in Mexico City, one of the world's biggest cities.  I have to confess, though, prior to my arrival, I had no idea at all what I could find to paint there.  But I was more excited than worried and I was pleasantly suprised to discover serene beauty inside this megalopolis.   Following my demos, my workshop attendees painted varied sights - beautiful lakes, a panoramic view from the hilltop castle, and a street vendor in a park, etc.  The focus throughout the week, however, was on how to paint water and everyone worked very [...]

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From Plein-Air Sketch to Studio Painting

3/2/2014 10:16:52 PM

  About nine years ago, I started out both as a plein-air painter and as a studio artist.  As a watercolorist who paints in both environments, I have come to realize that there are unique qualities in each type of work.   A painting done on location is my direct response to the landscape.  I attempt to capture the whole experience of being there.  For that purpose, I need to concentrate intensely to work fast.  I so enjoy getting absorbed in the environment when the inspiration cannot be any fresher.  As a result, the painting may look looser, more simplified or sketchy, and perhaps [...]

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