Ask The Artist

[Val]

Hadn't thought of that..... brilliant as always! Thanks Nolan.

[Susan]

Just another quick question for opinions.  I did a Bob Ross one day course years ago which I thought was amazing at the time, then I've been watching some Len Hend on YouTube of late also.  I understand that their styles of paintings are 'different', of course we are all different but I read somewhere Dennis saying that one ought to just paint and not get overly detailed as people want to see the brush strokes but I'm not sure.

So I'll try not to waffle,  my question is do you think that these types of paintings are lazy? I went to the Melbourne art museum recently, just the small one as the large one was closed, on a TUESDAY  but the samll one was amazing, truly, I'd recommend it.  What blew me away was how in the 40's the paintings changed so much, things became so depressing I had to get out of that section, anyway before that period you couldn't see the masters brushstrokes, they were perfection, looked almost like photos, truly astounding.

So is slap dashing paint on amost willy nilly lazy or just creative.  From a distance these paintings look great, but up close.. I'm just not sure.  I think my problem is that I've just not yet found my own style, it's too early perhaps and I really need to stop talking about it, or typing about it and just get on with the job of.. 

[nolan]

There is only one answer to that question : what style of painting do you like?

[Susan]

  Nolan, you are too funny!  I write a dissertation of sorts, and you come back with not only a one liner, but a one liner right back at me!!! Only the best teachers can do that.   

Well I have been inspired and I finished my donkey type kangaroo today then finished my koala so I'll put them up tomorrow if I get the chance.  Also did a very small landscape of trees for your opinion as I think I've sussed out the tree problem now.  I had a busy day...     So that's two paintings off the floor out of five and a new practice one.

Im not sure if I like to see brushstrokes to be honest, that said, the small tree one I did today as a practice piece was a little more slap dash, I RELAXED and refused to hold the brush as if my life depended upon it, I loosened up a lot more.  I'm a perfectionist but realized that in striving for perfection there comes too much control and the joy slips away.

Geez.. I may need to think more, or just paint more.  I loved Bob Ross and I only ever saw two of his vids when I was 12, Lend Hend is like his twin soul, similar voice and things he says, same painting style but Ross was a lot neater.

I suppose I could somehow incorporate both.  A bit of dibbedy dabbing, a bit of slap dash, and a bit of control, get the balance right.

Anyway, thank you Nolan, I hadn't even thought of asking myself that question

[nolan]

Can't wait to see the "donkey type kangaroo" 

I like to do the "bit of dibbedy dabbing, a bit of slap dash, and a bit of control" in my paintings. If you watch part 2 of the Oil Painting webinar series, you will see why

[Val]

Donkey type Kangaroo......new breed? 

[Susan]

Part 2?  I must have missed that one.  Ok will catch up with that tonight, meanwhile I have a VERY demanding rabbit who's made a total hames of his hutch in the night...    Ok thanks Nolan.  And yes Val, he's a new breed...    I'm going to leave animals for the moment as I'm jumping too far ahead so there's no point, I'm going back to my landscapes and get the skies and trees and things right first. See you all later.. 

[Kelley]

  Donkaroo?

[dennis]

 

[Val]

OR the even more rare Kangadonk!! (distant cousin) 

[Susan]

    

[Val]

  uh-oh ..... me thinks its time to practice ducking again.....

[nolan]

Details

You know where just kidding at least. We never criticize other's paintings.

I think you have done a great job here Susan. Seeing as I don't really know what a kangaroo ear should look like, they look just fine to me. Obviously you have a reference picture to compare from, so will notice the differences.

The only part of the 'roo that I feel needs a bit more work is the front leg (or do you call it an arm?). I am not sure if it is slightly too far to the right or there is a contrast problem, but something there is bothering me. Maybe you can post us the reference picture so we can take a look and see what needs to be adjusted?

[Val]

  Sorry Susan, didn't mean to offend. I say, call it what you like this is super. I agree with you that the ears are a bit big, but the shape is good. The shoulder on the right of the picture ( roo's left) does seem to be extended too far out. Other than that I think you have done a banner job  The colouring is great and I like the way you've done the sky. Also the rocks in the foreground. 

[Val]