Saturday, September 18, 2010

nuttal workshop

(10x14)
I'm back from Ted Nuttal the 3-day workshop in Lewes, DE, with one day to recuperate before the 5-day Charles Reid workshop begins.
The workshop with Ted was unbelievable: he is the most generous teacher, and such a sweet and thoughtful man. I think I learned things from him that I will be able to, and want to, work and build on on my own. And I really want to take another workshop with him as soon as possible!
I also imagine it'll be awhile before I have any interest in painting anything other than people.
The last day of workshop is always a bit sad, but, happily for me and Shelby, Ted will be coming over to NJ tomorrow to attend our meet-and-greet prior to the Reid workshop.
These are the three paintings I worked on, one a day. The first one, A.J., is done; the other two are incomplete, but not by much.
(10x14)
I don't think I've ever worked with such a warm palette, but I'm enjoying it, and enjoying also working slowly, which is not my usual method. Ted impressed on us all the importance of looking at each and every detail and thinking before, and while, painting.
(12x16)
I had more photos, but I left my camera in Shelby's car! I hated to be without a camera on the ferry ride home, because everywhere I looked, I saw people who would make great paintings: the was a family of Mennonites, with four daughters--all with long braids and stray hairs flying, standing at the railing in the morning sun! And a family that may have been Guatemalan or Ecuadorian--they were all beautiful, and the grandfather especially so, with his rolled-brim straw hat.
I have notes, from which I'll share ideas as I try work on other paintings keeping Ted's advice in mind. I'll just say, if you have a chance, sign up for one of his workshops. ... I am just too spent to think any more tonight!
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20 comments:

Barbra Joan said...

I can imagine and just feel the energy coming from you and your workshop.. I told you it would come back ... see listen to this old lady...lol! I'm so happy for you and your new work is wonderful.. what else can I say.?
You have been energized!!

M R Anand said...

the portraits have a glow, that has been brilliantly captured! the colour washes and the subtle tonal variations are beautiful!

Robin@TheNatureCoast said...

these just glow Laura, I'm so pleased and happy for you to see these! Bravo ;)

Carol said...

The new work has such an elegance & the skin tones glow. Have a great time at the Reid workshop!

RH Carpenter said...

These paintings are wonderful! I can see that you learned how to work out those little things that were bothering you before. And now a Charles Reid workshop? Oh, my! You are going to be making a huge leap in your portrait painting knowledge and techniques after these two workshops :) What fun!

Cindi said...

ive been waiting for your report... i still have 4 more weeks and im so excited... your portratis are wonderful.. so glad you had fun!! we are on the same course.. im doing reid next, too.. but not till may.. so will be watching for your report on that one too.. thanks for sharing

Penny said...

Love those mouths on the second one, what a fabulous workshop you had. I will be interested to hear what you think of Charles Reid after Ted. I love Charles work but not confident enough.

A Brush with Color said...

I KNEW you'd like him! I'm so glad you did, and that you went! Isn't he nice?? He's very giving, and he's a born teacher, I think. I LOVE your paintings here, Laura--amazing how well you did. I'm off to Boston right now, but when I get there, I'm going to study these further because they're gorgeous! Oh, I'm so glad you liked him. Have a wonderful time at Charles Reid's workshop, too--you're studying with the best, I think!! Awesome, Laura!! That chair is amazing, too.

shl said...

What a GIFT to see these even before breakfast--they're BREATH-CATCHINGLY WONDERFUL, period! WOW!

cathyswatercolors said...

WOW these portraits are amazing Laura. You really took in a lot from the workshop. Just great work. I am so envious of the Reid workshop i love his stuff.

Jennifer Lawson said...

Great portraits Laura. I can't wait to see your work from Charles Reid's workshop. I took one from him a little over a year ago and it was great.
Two workshops in a row—that is brave!

NATIVIDAD said...

GRACIAS POR TUS ACUAELAS SON PRECIOAS, TIENEN UN COLORIDO ESPECTACULAR.
UN SALUDO

debwardart said...

You did a fabulous job with these! Good luck with the Charles Reid w/s also - in a couple of weeks you will be a full fledged portrait painter (I envy you!) Great job!

Diana said...

these are wonderful Laura, I love them.. I do so envy you a class with Charles REid too.. woow.. rest up.. but keep your brushes packed!!! have a wonderful time!!! Diana

Annelein said...

Now I'm super excited..was already before...Ted is coming to Vermont next summer...come paint with us when he gives a 5 day workshop! Can't wait to see your Reid work..was actually in the same workshop as Jennifer last summer with Charles Reid! Small Blogging world.. . Have a great time, happy painting

Rosemary said...

Lovely work! It was great to meet you at Ted's workshop. I hope we'll meet again. Sorry we couldn't stick around for the meet and greet but the last bus left at 5:15 to get to the last ferry by 6pm. I hope you'll have a terrific workshop with Charles Reid!

Cristina Dalla Valentina said...

A great series of portraits!

Cathy Gatland said...

How lovely Laura, these portraits have a serenity and assurance about them, you must have lost your butterflies and soaked everything up - wonderful results. Enjoy the Reid workshop - can you tell what a brilliant shade of green I am!?

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

Magnificent work. I see the workshop thinking in your paintings. I love these, and love how you work when you go faster and looser too. You're amazing painter.

XOBarbara

Stephie Butler said...

Stunning portraits..The colours are so beautiful and fresh... I so wish I could attend is workshop too, he sounds like an amazing guy..