When I decided to embark on this journey a year ago, I knew that I wanted to work in watercolour but I was also looking for a method that would allow me to apply the "academy" method of drawing and painting to watercolor work. As mentioned, I had studied at the Academy of Realist Art and I wanted to find some book or home instruction applying those methods to watercolour. While I found some wonderful artists who create realist watercolours in drybrush, there was no course or manual. However, I happened upon a wonderful DVD training program by Mark Carder, a successful and well known Oil Portrait Artist. He has a special technique for speedily training individuals the more physical aspects of drawing and painting.
What I liked about the DVD was that it required a studio set up that I was accustomed to from the Academy: all black walls and floor. Further, the starting exercises are still life paintings set up within a black box. This was also what was done at the Academy but I never did get to that point. 
Unfortunately I realized, that as a starting position, I couldn't easily adapt the method to watercolour and I would have to do it in oil. Because I was pre-occupied with watercolour and the formidable studio set up per the DVD, here I am a year later and all I have accomplished is the studio set up and the materials acquisition and preparation. I do mean to do these exercises as they are going to be invaluable and I will then apply the lessons learned to my "realist watercolours" but it will just have to wait a bit. In the meantime, as an owner of the DVD, I have been able to participate in the lively, active and informative forum. Wonderfully helpful individuals all offering advice and help. Mark Carder himself, is also there to help.
No comments:
Post a Comment