Tags
adirondacks, art, instruction, learning, painting, plein air, water, watercolor
I opened my eyes today to dawn on Lake George. At 6:22 a.m., the lake is calm, even glassy in places, and there’s a pastel glow in the sky and on the water.
I’m at Wiawaka in Lake George, New York, with eight other artists in residence, and Monday was our first full day. Most of us were up early, hunting our painting inspiration for the day.
I chose the first view that met me, the lake, and started with a quick pencil drawing on a 300 lb Arches block (cold press), followed by preliminary washes.
I developed the water a bit, dropping in the dark values and leaving space for the reflection of the buildings.
Once everything was dry, I added the buildings and boats with gouache…
And then started building value around the shapes on the distant shore.
I’m hoping tomorrow’s dawn replicates today so I can work on the water and refine details.
At 1:00, I took a workshop in Chinese brush strokes — the image at the top is the result.
Looking forward to more painting tomorrow.
Mary
P.S. My temporary studio…
Robin E. said:
Beautiful! The Chinese brushwork is gorgeous, too! How much of your time is scheduled and how much is free painting time? Thank you so much for sharing this week with us. Sounds like a great way to keep moving forward.
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Mary P. Murphy said:
Totally unstructured, Robin. We have the option to take any of the workshops scheduled for all guests, but no need to if we don’t feel like it!
Mary
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Perrin-Falquet said:
Your Chinese brushwork looks like you have been doing it for years, so beautiful! I love your lake painting, and it looks finished to me! Your studio is amazing, enjoy, and thanks for sharing your artseperince. : )
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Mary P. Murphy said:
Joanie — I’m having the time of my life. No cooking, no cleaning, no need to do email if I don’t feel like it — just painting and drawing, and it’s GORGEOUS. Some fantastic artists here, so very inspiring on that front, too.
Mary
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Mary Cole said:
Mary, If I were able I would use your descriptive words to paint this piece. Thank you for allowing me to journey with you as you proceed.
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Mary P. Murphy said:
Thank you, Mary! I’m going to try to post every day while I’m here!
Mary
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Mary Sayers Doeden said:
It would be hard to find a finer studio than that provided by the second story porch at Wakonda. Your work is lovely!
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Mary P. Murphy said:
Thank you, Mary!
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Mary P. Murphy said:
Mary — good to know you’ve been here and understand what I’m trying to convey. Thanks for your comments.
Mary
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Joe Wylie said:
Mary !! Thank You !! Hope you enjoy your stay here at Wiawaka !! I enjoy reading your blog.
Thanks Again !!
Joe Wylie
Caretaker
Wiawaka
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Mary P. Murphy said:
Hi Joe — thanks for reading my blog, and THANK YOU for making Wiawaka so beautiful for us! (Your stories are great, too.)
Mary
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