COMMENT FROM KATHRYN WILLIS-LANDSCAPE ARTIST

CHECK OUT THIS COMMENT ABOUT USING PHOTOGRAPHS FROM KATHRYN WILLIS. HER BLOG ADDRESS IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE. KATHRYN PAINTS WONDERFUL LANDSCAPES OF THE SOUTH WEST.

I RESPONDED TO HER BLOG STATING MY TECHNIQUE FOR PAINTING (USING MAINLY ACRYLICS AND PHOTOS AS MY MAIN SOURCE).  SO INTERESTING TO SEE HOW DIFFERENT ARTISTS HANDLE PAINTING AND WHAT WORKS BEST FOR THEM.

Hi Linda, Thanks so much for your comments. I don't paint in acrylics, however I think using the palette knife with oils retains the bright color.
I normally like to start my paintings from life because my goal is to capture my experience of the place or subject that I'm painting. I feel that I get a better idea of the colors that I want to use, and because my eyes make the choices of what I want to include in the painting. Also, the impression formed from being part of the place and focused directly on the subject is more firmly implanted in my memory. Sometimes I'm not happy with the painting when I get back to the studio, but the memory of what I'm striving for is in my head. I do take photos for reference, and often use them in the studio to continue working on a paintingor to expand into another painting. The photos are an important tool in painting, but usually not the first impression that I want to put down. As you say the photo often provides more detail, but in my painting I'm trying to avoid putting too much detail. Many times the photo also changes the perspective that I see in the life situation.
I signed up on your blog and will be interested to more of your work, and the different artists you are featuring. Thanks, Kathy Willis

Kathryn Willis commented on:
Celebrating Sixty. Painting #23. Lake Powell Evening
http://kathrynwillisart.com/blog/30808/celebrating-sixty-painting-23-lake-powell-evening