Part 2, Watts Oil Painting Fundamentals course

Well, I completed the second section of the Oil Fundamentals course and passed. The comments I received were very helpful and insightful. Bottom line, this time I learned that my depiction of values is decent, but I tend to go a little dark in the mid tones. Nobody has told me that before this, so this is appreciated!

My first skull painting. I don’t have much experience in painting or drawing skulls

I got some positive comments for this painting from the teachers at Watts Atelier, but there were some problems with the drawing. The angle of the jaw, apparently, is out of whack.

I’ll confess, I loved learning anatomy but never really liked the skull, and didn’t focus on it at all. Due to this, I am completely ignorant in skull anatomy. But, Watts is going to force all of us students to learn, whether we want to or not! And this is good!

My one-hour “gesture” painting in a limited palette of Burnt Umber and White.

The assignment was to quickly paint something in an hour, and don’t go any longer than that. Quite daunting! I never thought I could be capable of finishing anything so quickly.

As it turns out, I actually completed this in a tiny bit less than an hour, which surprised me more than anyone! There are problems with the drawing. (I feel like everything “leans” a little to one side.) But we are told in the demo lesson that perfection in accuracy is not expected when we only are limited to an hour to complete the painting.

The instructor who wrote the comments on this painting didn’t mention any drawing flaws; so I guess that means it was within acceptable limits.

The instructor notes said that the midtones were too dark on the neck and the side of the nose. Also, the darkest values are too opaque. (It looks better to paint the darkest values with thinner layers, with light values painted with thicker paint.) This was something I was never taught when I first learned to paint in oils. I am grateful for this new guidance and will work to integrate this into my painting.

Once again, I’m very grateful for Watts Atelier and the instruction they’ve given. On to the next part of the Oil Painting Fundamentals course—the Zorn Palette! I’m super excited to learn about this. (I have done some Zorn palette work before, and am fascinated with it!)

05/18/2023 by Art Training & Education Painting 0

Puttering along with drawing, painting “gestures”

Just checking in, to prove I haven’t bailed on this whole endeavor.

I started doing the next assignment in the first Oil Painting course, but when I got to Mr Watts’ “gestures” painting tutorial, it rocked my whole world so much I just completely stopped painting for the course and did some “gestures” for my own gallery. (Which I can’t show here, else I not be anonymous anymore!)

It just never occurred to me to try this before now. Use a limited palette of Burnt Umber and white, give yourself about an hour to complete something, and see what happens!

It was GREAT! I loved it! I felt such a sense of accomplishment to get something in about an hour!

Anyway, enough of that, back to the doing the assignments for the atelier. I’ve now returned to the Oil assignment and am almost done with a skull painting (which I will post as soon as it’s done).

Quick Sketch and learning the whole charcoal/carbon pencil thing

Yeah, still getting used to the charcoal pencils, and the Reilly method! But I love it!

So I’m posting a few more examples of Quick Sketch. I feel I am getting the “gist” of it, but there’s a lot to it, so much more repetition will be required before it truly even starts to sink in.

A little bit of shading and cramming in as many images as I can on a sheet of newsprint.

I got some smooth-textured newsprint, and yes, in the 18×24″ size that was required, but I know how I am and how I work, and I knew that as I sit perched in front of my computer monitor that 18×24 is too big for everyday practicing. So I got some smaller sized pads too; Seth Cole pads of various sizes from DEW (current as of 2023). They have a lovely texture.

I feel a little more comfortable using the unique charcoal pencil technique (with the shaved, elongated point) but there’s a learning curve and I’m not “there” yet. I see the advantages of learning this technique, so I’m all in.

I’ve also been playing around with other types of smooth paper to use with these charcoal pencils.

Another little invented head, using Strathmore Layout Bond. Lovely, lovely texture.

I’ve never really warmed to charcoal up until now. It was always too “smeary” and I hated it when I first studied figure drawing. Conte Crayons (the sticks) with newsprint were okay, but they didn’t “translate” well for me with other types of paper. Now with these wonderful Conte Charcoal pencils and Wolff’s Carbon pencils, I’m changing my mind.

Layout Bond is a little too pricey for just practice, but I love love love the texture and since it’s acid free, I could theoretically sell drawings on this type of paper.

For all these years I’ve mostly stuck to graphite for drawing (using a mechanical pencil) but Watts is now “expanding my horizons” and I’m very grateful!

Well, back to work!

05/07/2023 by Art Training & Education Drawing Figure Drawing 0

Starting with the drawing courses at Watts Atelier

I initially started with a painting-only subscription at Watts Atelier, but quickly realized that there was a wealth of good stuff in the drawing courses, and I wanted in! So I upgraded to get everything.

I’m not a novice at art, but at the same time I don’t want to be one of those Dunning-Kruger victims who says, “I know how to draw” (nose stuck up in the air) and then refuses to review the beginner drawing courses. I figured that there would be invariably be something new to me, and I was right.

But because time and money is limited, I decided to sort of “audit” the beginning drawing courses instead of formally taking the course and waiting for grades. (I won’t do this for everything, because the critiques are very valuable, but at the same time, time and money, and definitely I’ll need critiques in the more advanced courses.)

Another reason I really wanted to review the beginner drawing courses is because of their unique way of rendering with charcoal pencil. I have a “signature” drawing style that I like, but I don’t want to be one of these artists who gets super precious with that whole “BUT THAT’S MY STYLE” horse manure. No, “my style” isn’t going anywhere, but it’s not so fragile that I can’t learn something new. The classic Watts rendering style is gorgeous; why wouldn’t I want to learn it?

So, I started from scratch with the first fundamental drawing course. There’s a learning curve with the whole sharpening the charcoal pencil to a long, loooong tip, and holding it differently—it’s all new, and I haven’t mastered it by a long shot.

Doodles on ROUGH NEWSPRINT (which we are not supposed to use). Practicing the pencil strokes, and a little crappy makeshift invented head.

I’m currently mostly using the recommended Wolff’s carbon pencil (4B right now) and am enjoying it. I switched to smooth newsprint and am fiddling with learning how to hold the pencil in the recommended way and I’m sure I’m not “there” yet…but Mr Watts says it takes a lot of patience.

Some more invented heads, quick sketches, trying to hold my pencil right, but still struggling. The head drawings are an example of my current drawing level—I haven’t taken the head drawing course with Watts yet (so anything I get wrong is not their fault!). I am looking forward to learning so much more and especially the Frank Reilly way of drawing!

I followed along to the first course in drawing, where we drew cubes, spheres, etc, and learned some new stuff. As Mr Watts did his drawing in the video demos, I drew too. These examples were again using the dreaded rough newsprint (I was still waiting for my smooth newsprint to arrive in the mail).

Practice, practice, practice!
Sketches I did as I followed along to the figure drawing Quicksketch streaming course. Heads are still too small, but I’m loving this Reilly method that they’re teaching!

And finally, some more Quicksketch drawings I did as I follow along to the streaming Quicksketch course that I’m auditing. I need to power through this class because I only have a week left before the videos are no longer available!

Anyway, I thought I’d post an update so y’all don’t think I’ve already bailed. I’m watching lots of videos, totally loving the classes, and excited for the future.

I am still following the painting classes, but got sidetracked (in a good way) with some painting studies using the new techniques I learned. Mr Watts encourages a lot of repetition, repetition, repetition, and that’s what I was doing!

Overall, I am very thrilled with this online atelier!

04/20/2023 by Art Training & Education Drawing Figure Drawing Rambling 0

Jeff Watts’ video about training to be professional artists

Some brilliant observations are in this video.

In another of Jeff Watts’s videos, he mentioned that his wife was worried about publishing the video above because of all of the things he said. And I can see why she had concerns. People don’t want to hear it that this is a long process. Too many of us want instant gratification. We don’t want to hear that some dreams only can be achieved through struggle, time, and sweat equity.

But he’s 100% right.

Some people assume art should be “fun” and will come easily. They don’t realize, it’s not about being “born” talented. He says in the video that the less-talented ones who aren’t lazy will get farther ahead than the naturally more gifted who are lazy.

When I was attending art school, I instinctively was trying to do what he talks about here. Lots of repetition. I couldn’t do it as efficiently as the students are able to do at Watts, alas. But, at least I was going in approximately the right direction.

I devoured every class available that had anything to do with drawing from life, drawing figures, anatomy—anything related to that. It had always been a weak area for me. I’m still not “there” yet with figure drawing, but thankfully I’m farther ahead than I would have been, had I taken the “recommended” amount of semesters in school and left it at that. (I’ve continued to take figure drawing classes—off and on—all through my life. This I certainly don’t regret!)

That’s why many college grads lack traditional art skills—they take the standard foundation classes, but never are encouraged (or realize the need) to continue to the next level in those areas. They are given the impression that those classes are all they need, and when they complete them, they’re “done.” But without the added repetition, they’re not done.

Another thing he talks about is the ability to choose our classes and more importantly, to choose our teachers. I was too poor to get in a degree program, so just took continuing education (at a fancy art school, but still!). Because of this, I got to pick which teachers I wanted to study from, and got to cherry-pick my areas of interest (drawing and anatomy, especially) and for this I am eternally grateful.

I’m currently taking online classes at Watts Atelier because…better late than never. I always knew that I wanted to get better, to learn more, but the opportunity didn’t present itself, until now. I could tell as soon as I saw the artwork on the site and the YouTube videos that they were going in the right direction and I only wish a school like that was available when I was attending college way back when.

04/04/2023 by Art Training & Education Uncategorised 0

To whomever graded my copper pot painting, bless you

The first assignment in the online Still Life course at Watts Atelier. 8×10 inches, pickout.

Thank you, thank you, nameless instructor at Watts Atelier, thank you for your kindness. I enjoyed painting this (more than I anticipated) and liked how it turned out, but you clued me in (in a kind but professional way) to the different problems with it. You are totally right! I see it now! The reflected light on the left side is too strong. I should have left in the fabric folds in the background to strengthen the composition. The lip of the pot is a little too wimpy and should have been sharpened. And so forth and so on.

But you still passed me and called it “a successful painting.” I like it, even with its flaws, and had a good experience with it. But reading all your comments was so helpful. Sobering, but in a good way. I don’t feel crestfallen or chagrined; I feel optimistic because I’m getting really “meaty” instruction which will help me greatly. I feel sobered because this isn’t going to be super easy; it doesn’t matter that I’m not a beginner, it’s not going to be a course I’ll “coast” through (not that I expected that). I’m going to get my money’s worth, that’s for sure!

Thank you so much again.

04/03/2023 by Art Training & Education Painting 0

First grading at Watts Atelier

Oh my gosh, I’m so geeky. I know I’ll calm down soon and become a slug about updating this blog. But it’s still all new to me, so here I am…posting again so soon.

Apparently, the best of the bunch, with the fewest problems.

I got graded on the first set of paintings from the Oil Fundamentals course. I got a score of 100%, but I think they are taking into account that we’re not experts here. (They say in the assignment notes that they are not expecting “mastery.”)

The portrait was okay (but with a few problems), and the other painting (a guy with the sombrero, which I will not show here) had more problems, but apparently not bad enough to ask me to do it again.

I LOVE IT!!!

You know what was so great about their brief critiques? THEY TOLD ME WHAT WAS WRONG. This can be in short supply in many art classes elsewhere. They just won’t tell you anything.

Yes, there were problems with the paintings! I expected that, and wanted to hear what they had to say. Oh, I’m sure they’re not telling me every flaw, but whatever is appropriate for whatever level I’m at.

I get so sick of art classes where the teachers are too hesitant or timid to tell difficult truths. I’m not talking about teachers being needlessly cruel, but saying nothing and allowing the student to continue as they are, without useful advice to help them improve—that is cruel.

(I understand why some teachers might choose to be close-lipped; often because other students in the past have pitched such a fit that it doesn’t seem worth the bother anymore. What an indictment on the students who complain in such a way.)

Anyway, suffice it to say I’m very happy to get this advice and look forward to more.

03/30/2023 by Art Training & Education Painting 0

Figure drawing is mandatory every day now

I was so, so chagrined when I discovered how much my figure drawing had slumped over the past few years.

March 2023 figure sketch from photo reference. The feet and hands lack detail, the pose is stiff, and I feel the waist might be too short. I assume it’s not too horrific, but yeah. It is what it is.

One of the things I’m eternally grateful for is that I developed a “figure drawing habit” early on in life. As a young artist, figures were always a weakness of mine. (I liked portraits, couldn’t do figures to save my life and anatomy was B-O-R-I-N-G.) When I first got to college at age 18, I decided to tackle all of that and started taking Life Drawing (also known as figure drawing). It was tough adjusting to live models instead of copying photos at first. (That’s something you’re not told—the big difference between drawing from life vs. photos.) But gradually things got better and I started to like figure drawing.

When I switched to an art school, I loved figure drawing enough that I made sure to take every class available that had anything to do with drawing from models. I also took anatomy classes and loved them. It was wonderful.

Then after art school, I continued taking either community college classes or just finding weekly artist figure drawing groups. This I did for years, off and on. Definitely there were some “off” years, but since I’m “of a certain age” (cough cough), it’s still added up to a lot of years.

With the plague and everything, I haven’t done figure drawing in several years, and it SHOWS. Oh, how I struggled. Some of my recent drawings had parts I liked, but usually the legs were where everything fell apart. This is not permanent; I know with practice and getting “warmed up” the drawings will improve. But still, it was disappointing to say the least.

I know the drawing I posted at the top of the page is not terrible…but, compared to the fluid, gorgeous drawings I see at Watts, I feel ashamed. But, I’m posting this drawing to show the “baseline,” meaning where I’m coming from, my current “level.” Not starting from zero, but with lots of room for improvement. Things I don’t even think are wrong are probably wrong.

Another thing I’m very keen to learn is anatomy. I loved it in art school, but it wasn’t a very popular subject and wasn’t made available for very long. I was lucky to study it for two semesters (I think?). It’s been years since I’ve formally studied anatomy, so I think it’s well past time for a refresher course!

Another quick figure sketch. Probably finished in 5-8 minutes? This is messy, but less egregious than some of the others. I’m posting this to document my figure drawing level pre-Watts atelier.
03/30/2023 by Drawing Figure Drawing 0

I don’t know what I don’t know

This is the reason I started this blog, and the reason I’m taking more art studies. I don’t know what I don’t know. And I want to know.

Many of us can’t always see where our weakest areas are, where our skills are the most lacking. It’s normal; it’s common. Few are exempt from this. That’s why we go to school and get an education. To find out what we don’t know.

I am fairly certain of a few of my weakest areas, but in the back of my mind is the question, “Is there something else I can’t see in my artwork that needs to be fixed? Some art failing that I’m in denial about?” It’s happened before (though I was aware there was something missing), and no doubt it will happen again.

So, time to get a fresh set of eyes on my work and see what’s most in need of work.

And that’s why I’m here!

03/28/2023 by Art Training & Education Drawing 0

“Pickout” Oil Painting Fundamentals, first assignment (portrait)

9×12″ burnt umber “pickout” portrait from the Watts Atelier oil painting course

Oh, I struggled with the drawing on this one. Front view poses are always the worst! I don’t typically do a preliminary drawing when I paint, because with opaque paint I can tweak things as I go along. But this is an exercise with just burnt umber and Gamsol. Basically, transparent. (You can see the pencil lines in some places.) I KNEW I’d get something lopsided (and I did) but drawing in pencil beforehand mitigated the worst of it.

I see all the problems with the painting, but at the same time, a lot was learned from this exercise. And we’re not done yet! We’re going to be doing plenty more burnt umber pickout, and I’m up for it. I integrated some burnt umber pickout in a recent painting (I try to do daily small paintings) and it sold immediately! So Watts Atelier is already starting to pay off!

I’m not a novice at oil painting, but experience has taught me that I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING and boy, has this course confirmed that! So much more to learn! So many more techniques to explore! And let’s not even get into the drawing courses at Watts. So much to unpack there as well.

03/28/2023 by Art Training & Education Painting Portraits 1

Starting with an atelier has confirmed to me…

…that drawing skill is not optional.

This post says it all. Why learn to draw when you can trace?

There are always going to be “tracing vs freehand drawing” debates, but for those who want to really “dive deep” (meaning, the way that Watts is teaching), avoiding lots of drawing practice is not going to be possible.

I’m gonna ramble

Edit: Because this is my anonymous blog, I’ll vent my spleen.

The BAR IS SET IN HELL right now, and most colleges and drawing classes teach (and settle for) the bare minimum when it comes to traditional art skills, like drawing, painting, color.

But with ateliers like Watts, there’s hope, because they’re raising the bar and we’re seeing what can and should be possible.

“Drawing Privilege”

I’m feeling my “drawing privilege” right now because Watts assumes you will be doing all your assignments freehand. And I can! Not incredible, but “okay.”*

I say “drawing privilege” because too many artists struggle mightily with freehand. I’ve had teachers just resign themselves to the fact that most of their students can’t handle freehand. (One teacher told everyone to just trace so he didn’t have the hassle of correcting all their drawings.) Too few of us can draw with even a modest level of competency.

There’s obviously plenty of room for improvement, but I’m relieved that I’m not starting from zero. Starting from zero (or almost zero) is too often the case, and I blame the art schools and colleges for this mostly.

Some of the other students at Watts scare the hell out of me, they’re so good. And the teachers! Some of them are so young, they’re basically embryos! It warms my heart.

*It may sound egotistical to say this, but because the BAR IS SET IN HELL, my skills have often been considered above average. To be called above average is wonderful, and I’m grateful. But when I get into an environment like Watts, what I’ve always known in my gut has proven to be true—”okay” but just that. So much room for improvement. I’m shocked and chagrined to discover how much improvement is needed. Truly humbling!

03/27/2023 by Art Training & Education Drawing 1
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