Candy Apple Series

I previously talked about painting a candy apple at the upcoming Dianna Ponting workshop I will be taking in October. I did some more photography of the subject and will be doing a series once I get started. The first of the series will be one of these photographs.

   

   

Turner’s Slave Ship

 

Not exactly a pastel painting, this piece was an instant favourite to me because it brought to light a subject that was not considered appropriate in his day and age. Bold, blunt and full of expression, it tells nothing but the truth. One can not hide from it nor should one ignore it.

Book Review - Harley Brown’s Inspiration for Every Artist

After waiting for two weeks this book finally came in the mail. Greedily getting the package in my hands I eagerly opened the parcel. Pulling the book out I noticed the cover is exactly the same as I saw on the International Artist web site. I was hoping for something with a little more flare.

Finally getting the book clear of the packaging I cracked it open and my first thoughts were “Oh, it’s just numbered paragraphs of insight. “Hmm, disappointing”. To be honest I was hoping for more of the same style as his last book. This one, however, is 401 numbered paragraphs of insight and inspiration along with the occasional cliche. “Ok”, I thought. Lets read it before I make a final judgement on it.”

So far I am up to about point 120 along with breezing ahead a few pages to read over the development of his self portrait and skipping to the back to read over “50 things you must know before you conduct or take your next art workshop”. At this point I am still neutral. You can tell there is a lot of experience that went into this book. Let me finish reading it before I continue with the review.

– 2 Days Later –

I have made it through the entire book now. Somewhat exhausted. I found reading everything in point form took it’s toll on me over the last two days. Near the end I found the insight less informative and useful than the beginning 2/3rds of the book.

What I did find great were all the little anecdotes on each page below sample sketches or paintings. For me this provided a basis for his words instead of just having text on a page. When I do go back to this book I can see myself skimming through, just reading these side tidbits instead of the entire book.

If you are an artist looking for an insight into your craft I would suggest his first book “Harley Brown’s Eternal Truths For Every Artist“. That book is so chalked full of great and useful information. It is hard to come by these days though.

In the end, I have no regrets buying the book as it was under $30. If I had paid more, I would be upset. I think I will refer back to the book at a later date but for right now I will have to put it on my bookshelf instead of by my easel.

 

Candy Apples and a Ponting Workshop

 

I will be taking a pastel workshop taught by Dianna Ponting in October and am trying to prepare some images to paint. Candy apples have such wonderfull highlights that I thought it would be a great subject.

This photo was taken outside instead of in a studio environment that would have allowed me more control over the lighting, however I like the way this photo turned out. We’ll see if I’ll paint this one or not. I might have to add to my selection of red pastels.

If you like this image and would like to paint it please contact me and I can send you a larger size reference photo.

If you are coming from myeclassonline.com I would like to know why so many from that site are visiting this thread. Please email me directly.

Harley Brown’s Inspiration For Every Artist

It looks like Harley Brown has a new book titled Harley Brown’s Inspiration For Every Artist. Right now it is priced at $26.75 USD. Now, if it is anything like his last book it will sell out and you won’t be able to find a copy for under $100. So I suggest picking it up while you can.

I haven’t got my hands on it yet, but i should have it by late next week. Oh, the anticipation, like a kid waiting for Christmas. After I read it over a couple times I’ll post a review.

From the looks of it, the book is another no nonsense book written in the style of his first book. The summary states…

“Harley offers 400 separate thoughts, observations and gems of teaching insight gleaned from his lifetime as an artist.”

What intrigues me the most is a statement by Harley…

“I have designed the book specially for working and studying artists. This means you can see the pictorial thought processes that went into creating all the paintings. I have left many in a semi-finished state so you can see the build-up of each image and the strokes I used.”

There is nothing better than having it laid out for you in steps, seeing how everything progresses and comes together. The next best thing to a Harley Brown workshop. Speaking of which, does Harley put on any workshops? If he did I would definitely have to go.
You can order it directly from International Artist.