Welcome to the new monthly newsletter for Lorraine Goddard Art! This month, I’m going to give a recap of a workshop, show you a piece I’ve been working on, and tell you about my upcoming classes and events. First, though, be sure to check out the PAWA winter show in person or online at the Cole Gallery in Edmonds, Washington.
Calvin Liang Workshop – “The challenge is the fun part”
One of the best things about being a member of Plein Air Washington Artists (PAWA) is that the organization brings in outstanding painters to judge the summer and winter shows. This year, the winter show was judged by painter Calvin Liang, who then offered a 3-day workshop. I signed up as soon as it went on sale—Calvin is one of my painting heroes, and I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to learn from one of the best!
During the three days, Calvin painted one single demo painting, taking it from beginning to end so we could see every stage. He even demonstrated how he signs his work and the rationale behind signing his whole name (a gallery owner earlier in his career preferred it). This approach was refreshing, because most workshop instructors I’ve studied with have started a new painting every day, meaning that the class sees lots of beginnings, but no refinement.
After he worked on his painting every morning, Calvin spent the rest of the day going from student to student, making suggestions and corrections. He is a particularly skilled teacher, able to approach students at any skill level and offer substantial critiques. Our class ranged from absolute beginners to PAWA award winners, and Calvin was helpful to everyone.
While it would be impossible for me to include everything that Calvin taught during the three days, here are some key points:
- There are only four elements to any painting: shape, color, value and edges. Getting them right makes a good painting. If you’re dissatisfied with a piece, figure out which of the four elements is wrong.
- First, your work must be correct. When it’s correct, you can work on making it beautiful. When it’s beautiful, you can work on making it have meaning.
- Paint 25% of what you see.
- You will never be able to replicate a photograph or plein air scene exactly. The goal is to preserve the relationships you see in the scene—warm/cool, hard/soft, dark/light, large/small, etc.
It was fascinating to watch Calvin paint—he completed most of his initial block-in with a relatively small brush that was absolutely loaded with paint. Every stroke left a thick, visible texture, and he worked to preserve this in later stages, only refining the edges and shapes when necessary. And through the entire process, whether painting himself or talking to students, he kept repeating the same things:
“The challenge is the fun part.”
“If you get it right from the beginning, it’s easy.”
“Slow down and take your time.”
On My Easel – “You and Me”
Early this month, I worked on two “red” themed pieces for a show at Willard Art and Frame in Bothell, and I’m delighted to say that both were selected for inclusion! Here is my favorite of the two, a still life of two wooden ducks I bought in Korea. These are wedding ducks, given to couples for luck, and it was so fun to recreate them in paint!
Upcoming Events
Through February 9: PAWA Winter Show at the Cole Gallery
I have two pieces in this show, a plein air painting of one of the boats at the Edmonds Marina and an accompanying studio piece of the same boat sailing on Puget Sound.
February 12 – March 3: The Red Show at Willard Art and Frame in Bothell
I will have two pieces, the ducks shown above and a small nocturne of Fan Tan Alley in Victoria’s Chinatown.
February 28: Confident Color for Any Medium, $145 (includes $25 materials fee)
This is an all-day color class exploring color theory, color mixing and how to choose paint palettes. We will be doing a lot of fun experimentation and some serious study that will improve your artwork, no matter what medium or style you use.
Saturday April 25 – Sunday, April 26: Gain Confidence with Plein Air, $275
This two-day class will focus on getting ready for the plein air season. If the weather cooperates, we will paint outside, but if not, we will spend our time inside focusing on plein air strategies, working with plein air gear, and getting a good impression of the scene onto canvas or paper.
May 13 – 17: Carmel Art Festival
I’ve juried into Carmel’s plein air competition this spring, so look for more details as I prepare!
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