Great workshop

Last weekend, I attended a two-day workshop with Doug Mays. His style can be described as loose. Painters who adopt this style do not attempt to make their paintings look like photos, they intentionally avoid adding superfluous details.  Doug's paintings have a certain level of confidence and vigor. They are  persuasive even with limited details. 

Many amateur painters, like me, aspire to paint in this way.  It's important to note that just because the finished painting may have a light, pleasant airy feel and does not pretend to represent any earth shattering concepts, that does not mean it is easy to accomplish. Simple is not the same as easy.   When I looked closely at some of Doug's paintings, I noticed that they had a considerable abstract quality to them where the paint has been allowed to do its own thing. Leaving things untouched and recognizing a good thing when you see it is something many beginners find particularly difficult.

It was a pleasure to watch Doug paint and hear him explain his approach. Here is one painting that he demonstrated to the group. His rocks are incredible. One second you see blobs of colours and a few seconds letter, you see rocks when seen from a distance.

Here is one painting that I completed during the workshop.

Have a great week.
Danielle