Central Park Plein Aire Class

[DanaT]

Hooray! Despite the ups and downs of my job, I was able to take off Mondays and Tuesdays in June for a great class in Central Park. :clap:

Our teacher stressed two things today: starting with small compositions and occasionally putting people in our plein aires. So I took him up on both. Our monitor, a sweet lady, Evelyn, was doing an oil up ahead of me and I put her in the picture!

I need to get the cast shadows down better and more quickly. Now that I look at it, that row of low weeds doesn't do anything for the picture. Other than that, I'm pretty pleased for now.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Jun-2002/EvelynCP.jpg

[Wayne Gaudon]

It takes courage to just jump in and it seems you have that. You will undoubtly find yourself progressing well at Plein Air as fear doesn't seem to be able to hold you back from trying.

I think the arm is too large and the coloring is rather dark but Plein Air has a way of giving you fits till you overcome the awe of all that surrounds you.

My wife says this is really cute and in it's simplicity I can agree that it has a character to it. Keep it up .. looking forward to seeing the next outing.

[impressionist2]

Dana,
I think this painting has Charm. Reminds me of a New Yorker Magazine watercolor. (Just say you intended the arm distortion. Perhaps you did. ;) )

You wrote: "Our teacher stressed two things today: starting with small compositions and occasionally putting people in our plein aires. So I took him up on both. "

Who is your instructor, please? How did you hear about him? Is he affiliated with one of the big NY art schools, i.e. Art Student's League, etc.?

Renee

[DanaT]

Thanks, Wayne. I think it's just great to be out painting in this glorious weather!

Originally posted by impressionist2
(Just say you intended the arm distortion. Perhaps you did. ;) )


Yes I did do that intentionally, Renee. :) Her gesture was so expressive that I exaggerated it a little. I think the arm works; not so sure about the hand.

Originally posted by impressionist2
Who is your instructor, please? How did you hear about him? Is he affiliated with one of the big NY art schools, i.e. Art Student's League, etc.?

Renee

Good guess, Renee. He's Michael Burban and he teaches at the Art Students League. I took his Artistic Anatomy class awhile back but for the last two summers, I've just been taking his summer class in Central Park. He's really great; he picks a new place in the park every week and gives a lecture for the first 45 minutes. Then we have two hours to paint.

I try to get to the park on my own after June; but its really motivating to go with a group with a good instructor.

[impressionist2]

Good guess, Renee. He's Michael Burban and he teaches at the Art Students League. I took his Artistic Anatomy class awhile back but for the last two summers, I've just been taking his summer class in Central Park.

Dana, What a find! You are taking a plein air class with one of the top anatomy instructors in NYC....................................And you need a bit of help with that hand!!! Sweet karma. Take advantage of a great situation!

Lucky you!

Renee


Michael Burban Portrait:

[DanaT]

Originally posted by impressionist2
Dana, What a find! You are taking a plein air class with one of the top anatomy instructors in NYC....................................And you need a bit of help with that hand!!! Sweet karma. Take advantage of a great situation!


Don't worry, Renee, I will :) Actually I was surprised to find he's so good with landscapes. I had only known him through his figure classes. But he has a simple method of explaining the big concepts so its really easy to go out and try what he says. For the most part, his instruction has been right on.

I'm just going to hate it in July when I have to go back to work :(