4 minute read
A Passionate Painter
John Singer Sargentt
Bill Hibberd is an award winning, full time oil painter working out of his studio in Duncan. 250-748-2838
As you progress from the initial brushstroke to the final tentative touch on your painting you could do worse than to heed Sargents advice. The direct method of painting is by far the most common today. Known as “alla prima” or “at first attempt”it has its own challenges and charms. The advantages to wet on wet painting is edge control. Do a web search and explore Sargents work. You will discover many visual treasures. He was the master of lost and found edges. If you let your eye run along a shirt sleeve or a woman’s cheek you will discover a variety of edges from razor crisp to soft indiscernible gradations. As you “lose” edges between neighbouring elements the viewer’s eye is free to roam through the piece transitioning from one area to another seamlessly. This is an excellent tool that will allow you to control the viewers visual journey though your painting.
Begin your painting with a large #12 flat brush. Block in all your elements , cover your complete canvas with that large implement. Keep true to your values and you will realize a strong beginning. Some artists are content to walk away at this stage call their painting finished. Fair enough. If your sensibilities lean to more developed work I would suggest that you pick up a #6 flat and work through your composing a second time. Then a #4 or a #2 , mix in some rounds and riggers and knives.
The concept of beginning with a “broom” and finishing with a “needle” is just one possible process but it is exciting to do and offers you many opportunities to explore a variety of mark making and edge control.
Let your eyes explore Sargents alla prima painting “Vernon Lee “ which was the pseudonym of his friend the writer Violet Paget. Play close attention to his edges. There is much to be gained by studying this little painting.
Feast your eyes on “Repose”. Look at the brushwork and edge control on her hands. Masterful painting!
I will finish with another more humorous quote by Sargent.
Questions? Contact me at billhibberdart@gmail.com Send images of your painting for critique if you wish. Have fun and paint with passion.
win an original oil painting
www.billhibberd.com
Wildlife Passes Through Our Yard
Wildlife Passes Through Our Yard, is a true story about a real place in Lake Cowichan.
It is a children’s book written by Rommy Verlaan of Heart Song Flutes and illustrated by Zak Stolk, of Zak Violins.
Anyone who has ever gone to one of Rommy’s flute playing workshops, or brought their instrument to Zak’s to be repaired, knows the beauty, peace and magic of the property they have been privileged to live on and caretake for many years. While the book focuses on animal behaviour, it is also a glimpse into the lifestyle many people who have lived on this island for generations, have experienced and treasured. It is a lifestyle and an experience that once forgotten could be lost to future generations, forever.
The story subtly takes you through the hours of a day, as well as the seasons following the flow of animals as they come and go.
As humans encroach on, and continue to destroy wildlife habitat, animals are moving closer and closer into neighbourhoods and around our homes. Some people find this a nuisance and others find it threatening. This is a story about respecting all animals and finding ways to live with them in harmony, to embrace the joy of watching them in their own environment and having them around. We hope that from reading about our time on this property that everyone who reads it, will connect to a reality worth treasuring and nurturing.
Technology seems to be taking up so much of our children’s attention these days, wildlife habitat is ever decreasing, and land is seen only for it’s monetary value. Wildlife Passes Through Our Yard, is a reminder of what the real treasures in our world are, just take the time to look, they will be different for everyone depending on where you live.
Wildlife Passes Through Our
Yard comes into print midApril.
Copies of the book will be available at Ten Old Books in Duncan or contact Rommy at: rommyflutes@shaw.ca or 250-749-6563
