Wendy Ervin Fine Art
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Anne Blair Brown Workshop #1

4/27/2015

8 Comments

 
Part one: about good drawing...
I have heard from several sources that if a painting goes wrong it's usually in the first few minutes because of decisions, or lack of, by the artist. Drawing is a big one. Learning to place the subject accurately on canvas takes attention, intention and good eye-hand coordination. Anne Blair Brown is a pro at it...of course, she did go to art school, so... The photos demonstrate how a plein air artist begins a painting by sketching the lines and masses with brush and thinned oil paint. Anne likes to use burnt sienna because it gives a warm under layer that may glow through the finished painting. 
The above left photo shows how she divides the canvas into a grid of thirds to create a pleasing composition (rule of thirds), then begins to build the larger shapes of the trees, road, and hills. She showed us how to see lines of sight that lead to the focal point and bring the viewer into the painting. Within about 15 minutes or so, she had the bones (values, composition and simple shapes) of her painting ready for color. 



Below right is Anne working out the "drawing" of the subject scene, her easel is positioned to keep the palette and canvas out of direct light. The photo on the left is the completed "study", a good term for a quick painting that can be used to develop a larger more finished painting later in the studio. Or, it can also be declared finished, signed, and sold as is.
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Thank you for reading my blog!! Stay tuned for more details and feel free to add your comments :))
8 Comments
Trudy
4/27/2015 10:39:26 pm

Anne is my top favorite artist. Thanks for sharing your experience painting with her. I've watched her new video multiple times and just can't get enough. It's a wonderful learning tool.

Reply
Kathleen
4/28/2015 06:21:09 am

What a great post! I am a watercolor painter but this system can be applied to any medium. Thanks for sharing.

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Julie
4/28/2015 11:13:01 pm

Thanks! I thought I was weird making a grid. Now I'm validated. Love ABB!!

Reply
Wendy
5/9/2015 05:26:12 am

Thank you for your comments! I have posted Part 2 of the workshop if you're interested.

Reply
Mary Bryan
5/15/2015 01:36:12 pm

Interesting! Helpful to see an accomplished artist break it down and simplify. I am fascinated with ABB'S work.

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Glenis
9/11/2016 06:12:01 am

Hi Wendy,
I appreciate you positing the info about Anne's workshop #1. Did you post part #2 of the workshop? I couldn't find it on your blog. I just bought her DVD and have watched it for the first time. I love it.

Reply
Wendy
9/12/2016 08:56:49 am

Thanks you Glenis...I wrote more on the work shop in May and June 2015 blogs...check the archive list on the right. I hope you enjoy them! Anne is an amazing artist!

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Brenda J Cook
11/15/2019 04:36:06 pm

New artist(3years). Just learned about ABB. Looking at her video and I am spellbound. I am not a drawer but see that I need to work on this Hope to take one of her workshops soon

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    Hello! My name is Wendy and I am passionate about oil painting! Whether in the studio or out in Mother Nature, I get lost in the experience of capturing on canvas the moment and the feel of what I am painting. I pour my love and energy into every single piece of artwork and I hope it shows! This blog is a place where I can use words to talk about art, painting, life, faith, things that make me laugh, and things that inspire. I love every response, so don't be shy about leaving a comment...

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