Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Workshop with Leon Holmes

Yesterday I attended a full day painting workshop with Leon Holmes at the lovely Marie Turner's house who was hosting the event. Leon did his demonstration from the balcony which offered panoramic views across bushland and rooftops with the Indian ocean in the distance.
It was such a great day.  The sea breeze was in and everyone was lovely.  Leon paints in oils and I learnt so much from him despite the fact that I paint in acrylics. He is an amazing artist who achieves such vibrancy and a great sense of place in his work. Marie is also a fantastic artist who works predominantly in watercolours.
                                           Acrylic on board 12" x 9"

After the demonstration we all did our own paintings. I did mine (above) from a photo I had taken of Trigg beach a year or so ago.  Leon helped me to crop the photo to a more suitable composition which was an insight for me.  I hadn't realised until then that I'd been overlooking some obvious rules of composition. The above is where I got it to with a few pertinent pointers from Leon.  The painting below is after Leon demonstrated to me on how to use other techniques to get different outcomes which was fantastic. It still needs more work but I might just leave it there so I will be able to see and remember all the salient points that I learnt. I will try out my new insights onto a new painting. It was a very rewarding and enjoyable day.


Posted by at

16 comments:

  1. Celia Blanco6 February 2013 at 00:06

    Your workshop looks like it was very rewarding! I love the colors and composition!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wendy Barrett6 February 2013 at 00:36

    Thank you Celia! Yes, it's great to get tips from the experts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown6 February 2013 at 08:55

    Hi Wendy,
    Your paintings look good! Love the colours in the water. It is so great to attend workshops when one is able, isn't it?
    I find I get something from every workshop i've attended. Then when i'm painting away on my own, i might remember a tip and somehow incorporate it into my own methods...almost like hearing the voice of the instructor in my ear. I love taking workshops from different people whose work I admire.
    Happy painting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett7 February 2013 at 05:03

      Thanks so much Sally! Yes, I've only been to two workshops but both times I felt I learnt so much. It's like a hothouse environment where the intensity of the day makes things stick in your mind.
      Wendy

      Delete
  4. art by Michael Perchard6 February 2013 at 10:11

    Hello Wendy!
    Fantastic work!
    I love seascapes and both of these are wonderful!
    I am glad you enjoyed the demonstration! Sounds like Leon is a great teacher!
    Michael

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett7 February 2013 at 05:07

      Thanks for the lovely comments Michael!
      I've been enjoying your Monet and Van Gogh period!
      Paint on!!
      Wendy

      Delete
  5. Robin Rosenthal7 February 2013 at 09:53

    Lovely seascape. Great blues and warm colors too. Looked like a wonderful workshop!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wendy Barrett7 February 2013 at 19:09

    Thanks so much Robin! Yes, it was a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  7. SUSAN NALLY10 February 2013 at 10:24

    Nothing more fun than a great workshop! Your painting looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wendy Barrett10 February 2013 at 20:59

    Thanks so much Susan!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Maria Bennett Hock13 February 2013 at 06:40

    Very nice! Love the vibrant colors and I always like hearing about workshops!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wendy Barrett13 February 2013 at 06:47

    Thanks so much for visiting Maria, and for your lovely comments.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Darla McDowell13 February 2013 at 09:28

    This sounds like the perfect day! Beautiful work, Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wendy Barrett13 February 2013 at 18:40

    Thanks so much Darla!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Randall4 March 2013 at 22:11

    Hi Wendy,

    I see you like painting waves too. Seems you got a bit more life into it. That's a hard one to pull off a good composition.

    ~Randall

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wendy Barrett5 March 2013 at 05:46

    Thanks so much Randall, I have just looked at your blog and LOVE your wave paintings!!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)