MARCH INTO BLUE SKIES!
Hello fellow art enthusiasts! This month, I've been diving deep into the captivating landscapes of Edgar Payne, particularly his masterful use of blue to create atmospheric depth. Payne understood the subtle nuances of how blue shifts and fades with distance, he also understood the importance of repeating his blue color notes throughout the canvas. By layering blues, he could convincingly portray the vastness of space.
A snippet of Edgar Payne’s painting and my notes recording how he connects blue throughout the canvas.
Below is a Gouache study I completed in an attempt to “think” like Edgar Payne. It was a conscious effort linking blue color notes found in the background, mid and foregrounds.
On a completely different note, life has a way of reminding us how valuable our time truly is! Our son recently had a mountain biking mishap, resulting in two broken wrists. For a week he was in soft casts from his hands to his elbows, simple tasks became monumental, requiring constant assistance. As you can imagine, my painting time took a significant hit!
While we’re both adjusting to this “new norm,” this experience underscored the fleeting value of time and the importance of adapting to unexpected changes. Within the whirlwind, a moment of clarity hit in context to painting and the idea of "Small Works" came to mind. This shift is allowing me to continue painting, in very small increments, and build towards my artistic goals. Life throws us curveballs and learning to adjust is an ongoing journey.
A sample of a “small work” from last year.
This month, I encourage you to observe the subtle shifts in blue around you. Notice how the sky's hue changes with the weather and time of day. And remember, our time is a precious gift! Let's use it wisely, adapting and embracing the challenges and opportunities that come our way.
Happy March, and may your brushes be ever filled with inspiration!
Allie