Friday, April 02, 2010

"Boulder Study"


This is my favorite field study from my recent trip to Inks Lake, but I realize now there are some things I could have changed to make it better. And that's the toughest thing about landscapes for me - the idea of editing. With still lifes I just move things around until it's perfect, and then paint what I see, for the most part. But landscapes are never perfect - or at least I haven't seen a perfect one yet - but so far I've been a little afraid to just move things around willy nilly. I've just ordered Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting after 2 good friends recommended it.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great book. If you can, get one, or all three of Emile Gruppe's books. You'll have to order them. Out of print as many good art books are. (Same with all Andrew Loomis books.) Gruppe studied with Carlson and Hawthorne. Gruppe has good advice concerning object moving/placement in composition. When I read your post on enjoying the white ground for landscape, I thought of Gruppe. He painted on white for color brilliance.
Thanks for showing your lovely work. Always a treat.

Christopher Greco said...

Carlson's Guide is a great book, also Edgar Paynes, Composition of Outdoor Painting and Hawthorne's book on painting and of course any of Charles Sovek's books.

Leora Platte said...

I like that you have the courage to "feel exposed" while you work out landscapes. It seems funny that you just get yourself set up with an awesome studio you're painting outside.

Anonymous said...

take a chance move some stuff around as if it were a still life after all the best composition is your goal. what have you got to lose !!

olivia said...

Fresh and simple way... I like it Carol !

Susie Gregory said...

i wish i'd thought of that! - i have 2 copies and i could have sent you one! rats!..(is it too late to cancel your order?) you will absolutely love this book!

Mary Bullock said...

Your landscapes are beautiful but Carlson's book is THE BEST book on landscape ever written. I reread mine all the time.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

It's working well, actually.
Carlson's Guide is the Landscape 'Bible' and is a great book.

anne spoon said...

You do have to do a little more "inventing" when landscape painting. Carlons book is the best.