Rock Creek Morning

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Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on October 17, 2014 at 8:58

Walda, it was the best plein air workshop I have taken, and I am already signed up for Frank's Spring  2015 workshop a little further south but still in the Eastern Sierras.  Good luck in your watercolor outing.  I met some plein air watercolor artists last June when I went and painted in the Cedarburg, Wisconsin plein air festival.  We don't have too many watercolorists who paint outdoors here in Northern California.  Everybody in this workshop painted in oils.  I do really enjoy painting outdoors with friends.

Comment by Walda Juhl on October 17, 2014 at 8:26

THAT workshop sounded just wonderful!! Wish i could've been there. Next summer I am heading up our plein air outings for our watercolor group so I'm looking forward to a fun summer. We learn so much from each other as well as get to go to different places in good company; sometimes we view a video first to get us warmed up to painting flowers, water whatever. Wish me luck! WALDA

Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on October 16, 2014 at 18:57

Thanks Walda and sorry I misspelled your name in the other comments.   I think the water could have a darker and less chalky blue in it and would look better.   Yes, those rocks are kind of pathetically similar.   I varied the color some, but the similar shapes and the similar spacing makies them very boring.   I really should have painted better rocks in a creek called "Rock Creek".   I am pleased with my values and with the more vivid color that I achieved in my paintings during this workshop.

Comment by Walda Juhl on October 16, 2014 at 13:07

Something bothers me with the water; too much white with the blue maybe? Also the rocks; is it they are the same shape? Sigh...actually i really like the distance; the dark between the trees very believable with the shadows. And great colors. i hope you understand my ramblings. I've really enjoyed all your plein air pieces. WALDA

Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on October 11, 2014 at 7:10

Michael, I guess we each have some different strengths and weaknesses.   I really got a lot out of the workshop and I think you did as well.  Nice to have someone point out what you need to work on.  On the first day Frank had me working on my values with the first painting, so I guess that's why I got that one.   Have to keep it up though.

Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on October 11, 2014 at 6:58

Thanks Ann.   My main problem with this painting was the foreground rocks and the foreground tree.   I have to work on those elements some more.

Comment by Ann Turner on October 11, 2014 at 5:19

I like the softly lite area that moves away from us where the grey green comes down and the layers behind that to the softly gradated sky. It makes a nice contrast with the dark shadow area on the right

Comment by Michael J. Severin on October 11, 2014 at 4:11

Frank got me aside on the last day and said that I was good with composition and color, but I needed to work more on values.  So when I tell you that I  admire your light, what I really mean to say is that you nailed the values!!!  I am very glad Frank pointed out my weakness ...it gives me something to concentrate on for improvement. 

Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on October 11, 2014 at 3:41

Thanks Michael. I struggled with the rocks and that tree. I think that I'm doing ok with putting in the lights. I definitely need to spend more time with my design. Lots of things for practice! I still have some more paintings from the workshop to sign, tweak and post here.

Comment by Michael J. Severin on October 11, 2014 at 3:35

I did not want to pile on about the rocks. :))    I think a shadow or two across that area with indications of tree trunks in the nearest background trees, would be okay??  I am really admiring the way you painted the light!! ..I guess it is what Frank was talking about with me? 

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