Resources for learning paint application

[Jeff Fuchs]

Here's another rental source. You don't have to be a member, but you need a PayPal account

http://technicalvideorental.com/inde...x&cPath=108_87

I've rented several from them. They seem to be experiencing growing pains, as it now takes a while to get the DVD you order, but it's worth the wait.

I have David Leffel's still life DVD at the house right now.

There's nothing better than watching the masters do it. No text can explain it as well as seeing it for yourself.

[Steven Sweeney]

That is a very cool site, Jeff, and not one I'd ever seen. Thanks a lot -- you've wiped out my next raise (assuming I get off the Forum and back to work and get a raise.)

The depth and breadth of the wealth of video/DVD instruction, at full or rental prices, is more than any of us could have dreamed of, only a few years ago.

And you're right -- there's nothing like "seeing it done." No matter how many of these presentations I collect, I'll never let go of my first Helen Van Wyk demos. I watched one the other night, for about the 20th time but for the first time in years, and everybody reading this would be 20-60% better at painting if they could just internalize what she offers in only one of her tapes (which I had converted to DVDs, for longevity).

She also spreads a LOT of paint around. I'm so grateful she kept making those videos, the last ones even while she suffered from cancer. She was doing that out of pure love, not for money.

[Vianna Szabo]

That looks like a great rental place, Jeff. What a teriffic idea. I've tried for years to get the local library to purchase some quality videos but to no avail. It is definately easier on the wallet to rent, now I just need the time........

Vianna

[Alexandra Tyng]

Hi Vianna,

While you're internalizing all those tapes, of which I am sure you are fully capable given your level of expertise, I have a suggestion that might help:

I've heard that Sargent, while wanting his strokes to appear effortless and fresh, actually invested a lot of effort, practice and planning to make them appear so. If he wasn't satisfied, he would wipe an area out and do it over and over again until he got the strokes just right. It might speed up your "learning curve" to use his method. My son does the same thing when practicing a piece of music--he works on small sections, getting just the right inflection, tone, etc. before moving to the next section.

[Vianna Szabo]

You have given me a basis to tackle a rather daunting painting. The subject is completely back lit and the values in the figure are very close. I think that is an excellent approach to work the one area (I have a tendency to paint all over) and wipe down until I have the effect I want. The overall value pattern is in so I can work on top of that. I have read that Sargent's effortless look was achieved with much effort and wiping down. Although I do not see any evidence of fussing, fiddling, or dinkin.

I used to model for an artist who used that method in pastel. He would start with one area complete it and then move on to an adjoining plane. The start was disconcerting to me but the end results were lovely.

I'll get out my paints, palette knife, and plenty of Viva.

Thanks,
Vianna