See One, Do One, Teach One

I am busy working on a number of seascape/landscape scenes right now... and having a ball. I have mostly worked on portrait, figurative and genre scenes over the last couple of years, so this redirection feels really fresh.

So far, I have been relying on photo references.. and I feel mildly ashamed to admit that. I know my work would be enriched by on site sketching... I was struck most acutely with this reminder (of the importance of capturing a scene the 'old fashioned' way rather than relying exclusively on photos) when I agreed this week to take on my neighbors' twelve year old son as a summer pupil. We start next week... and as I contemplated my approach to teaching, I realized that this would be a bit of "do as I say, not as I do" given my current habits! So I vow to start carrying my tiny watercolor kit and sketchbook from now on as I walk on the beaches each day. I will only use my phone camera as a supplement.

Since Theo and I are not able to start our lessons until next week, I have elected to give him an advance assignment. I have given him a book (1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die, edited by Stephen Farthing), and assigned him the task of looking through the book and selecting five paintings he likes the best. This will keep him occupied until Wednesday! Part of our first session together will include a discussion of why he chose the paintings and what techniques they depend upon. I figure this will help me get a general sense of direction for our work together over the next few weeks. That and an assessment of his current level of drawing capability.

Although I have taught workshops - these have mostly been demonstrations with q&a, and were geared to practicing artists. This is my first time taking on a child. Should be fun (I hope!) Suggestions gratefully accepted!!

The painting included here is one of the referenced local scenes currently on my easel. I relied on several photos taken with my cell phone camera on my walks... in this case on Harding's beach, site of a protected Piping Plover breeding area. The scene has been liberally edited to enhance composition, since plovers rarely stop running very long as they play tag with the waves...I have many blurry images as evidence !