Why did I pick this DVD?
The cover photo of her subject matter did not “grab” me, but I saw Lori’s indoor demo at the Plein Air Convention and Expo in 2016, and liked her teaching style. I thought I could learn some new ideas. This video is suitable for beginner to advanced painters.
How long is the video?
162 minutes, including the demo, an interview with Eric Rhoads, and a slide show of her other paintings.
Best part of video?
Many practical tips for the plein air painter, for use on site, outdoors, to make the painting process go smoothly. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the interview, which taught me about Lori as a painter, hard working graphic design business owner, and an artist willing to take risks.
Part of video less helpful?
While I wasn’t in love with the subject material, but really appreciated her step-by-step approach.
What was the takeaway from this video? Here are a few nuggets of info:
- Complete a thumbnail sketch that focuses on the division between light and dark areas. Stick to that as the sun moves, and shadow patterns shift. Stick to 2 values. When painting, no more than 5 values.
- In the design, try to maintain a 1/3 to 2/3 light pattern, be it 1/3 light to 2/3 shadow, or the reverse.
- Wear neutral clothing, i.e. gray or black, to avoid reflections of color on your canvas.
- Simplify your palette outside: start with 3 primary colors + white, then gradually add other colors.
- Lay out your palette with Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Orange Deep, and Naphthol Red on the left edge. On the right edge, squirt Quinacridone Violet, Ultramarine Blue, then Permanent Green Light. You will see that the complements are directly opposite each other. (Lay Titanium zinc white on top edge in middle. ) This is actually brilliant, in terms of mixing muted colors.
- When transitioning from light shapes to dark shapes, use transitional colors where the two intersect rather than smudging the edge.
This was a good teaching video, very easy to follow, with clear information. Lori approaches her painting career in a businesslike manner, and I appreciated that. She teaches workshops at her specially designed home and studio in Eastern Tennessee. Maybe I’ll travel there some time and take one— Lori Putnam's Workshops— in the meantime I will continue to read Lori’s blog.
Take a look at the collection in the Southbury Public Library, check out a video and paint! Then enter the art show June of 2018. http://southburylibrary.org/ Here is a PDF with the art DVD titles/artists you will encounter. http://bit.ly/ArtInstructionVideosUpdate
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