What do you do if you find the subject of your painting is a little dull, a little static, not much going on? Easy, says Watermill painting tutor Randy Hale, make up a little activity to bring it to life.
Randy says: “I had a few extra minutes to do a second plein air painting the other day. The subject was a mustard-color brick building. Not too much else going on, so I quickly added a few people and put them to work doing a little springtime gardening. These were totally made up as a way to provide activity in an otherwise static setting.
“The trick with making something up is to not try to hard – just apply a few loose flicks off the end of your brush and leave it alone! Think about leaving some negative shape on or near the upper extremities to indicate light on those surfaces. Allow water to blend pigments and soften edgework — it will usually turn out just fine! After all, you’re just giving us a hint, not a rendering.â€
They say the camera doesn’t lie; the paintbrush certainly can!
So, come and have fun with Randy on his week-long course this June, adding a little extra to your paintings of the wonderful scenery in and around the Watermill. Details and a link below. We have 10 people already booked into Randy’s course, one of whom is a non-painting partner, so we still have room for two or three more painters (and their non-painting partners, if they would like to come with them.)
Randy is an exciting watercolour painter from Colorado in United States. As well as his workshops in the USA, he has taken painting groups all over the world. After a successful business career, he returned to his first love, watercolour painting. (He was taught by James Green, an early proponent of the California School of Watercolor.) But his true passion proved to be to be in sharing his knowledge: enjoying the excitement of travel with fellow painters, helping them to create expressive paintings to enrich their experience. One of his students said: “He knows his stuff and he knows how to teach! Best watercolor instructor I have ever had!†Another said: “Randy demonstrates clearly and effectively. He offers information constantly and shares his knowledge and techniques without hesitation. He’s an excellent artist and instructor and he offers clear and positive help.â€
Randy Hale
11-18 June 2022Â Â Two or three painting places left
Watercolours
To learn more about Randy and his course at the Watermill, please visit his 2022 Profile Page.