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Let’s take a closer look at Claude Monet’s Poplars series. I’ll cover: Key Details Light and Color Composition Brushwork and Technique My Favorite From the Series Other Monet Series Poplar Paintings by Other Artists Key Takeaways Additional Resources Key Details Monet painted the Poplars series in 1891 and 92. He did paint poplars on a … Read more
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“For me … a painting should be something to cherish, joyous and pretty, yes pretty!” Pierre-Auguste Renoir Let’s take a look at how to paint like Pierre-Auguste Renoir. I’ve never been much a fan of Renoir’s work. That was until I saw one of his paintings at the European Masters exhibition. A Young Girl With … Read more
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Let’s take a look at some of my favorite night paintings and why they work. I’ll also provide some tips for painting the night at the end. Aert van der Neer, Moonlit Landscape With Bridge What a stunning depiction of moonlight. Van der Neer contrasted brilliant highlights against stygian blacks. The moonlight gently outlines the … Read more
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When I think of seascape painters, Ivan Aivazovsky is one of the first to come to mind. He was a prolific Russian artist who created thousands of paintings depicting the sea in various forms. Let’s take a closer look at his life and work. I’ll cover: Key Facts and Ideas The Power of Going Deep … Read more
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Let’s cover a simple but important question: “How should I name my artwork?” I’ll cover: Simple and Descriptive Hints About the Subject Symbolism Story Feelings, Emotions, and Ideas Artistic Elements Conditions Mystery Making a Statement You Don’t Always Need A Clever Title Simple and Descriptive For most artworks, a simple and descriptive title is sufficient. … Read more
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I have been fond of painting high-contrast scenes lately. Below is one I’m currently working on, Minnippi, Green, Contrast. High-contrast paintings are stunning when they work, but garish when they don’t. It’s a careful balance between pushing the contrast without overdoing it and whilst making sure the painting works as a whole. In light of … Read more
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Let’s take a closer look at Marie Joséphine Charlotte du Val d’Ognes by Marie Denise Villers. I first saw this painting at the European Masters exhibition. It was a popular painting in a room full of great art. I’ll cover: Who Painted It? Subject Light and Shadow (Value) Color Theme Edges Framing Additional Resources Key … Read more
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Let’s take a look at how to paint overlapping objects. As you might already know, I’ve been working on a tree series lately. The main challenge with this series has been dealing with the complex arrangement of overlapping objects. All the leaves, branches, sky, grass, dappled light, and shadows are so tightly woven together it … Read more
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In my last post, I took you on a virtual journey of the European Masterpieces exhibition that took place here in Brisbane, Australia. Someone commented that each painting is so beautiful it warrants individual study. I agree. So over the next few weeks, I’m going to be taking a closer look at a handful of … Read more
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I attended the European Masterpieces exhibition the other day with Chontele, Elora, and my parents. On arrival, we were met with a line that spanned from the entrance, all the way across the front of the building, and around the corner. Not what you want to see when you are with a nearly 4-month-old baby. … Read more
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