Colour and Light in the Landscape – Part 1

Colour needs light. Once the colour is switched on then it is has its own magical and surprising language, it has a seductive quality all of its own. Layering colours can create a shimmer and luminosity that is palpable. To convey the physical experience of being in the landscape is challenging and enticing. You can endeavour to capture what you see, but also so much more; bird song, a warm breeze on your skin, the buzz of insects and the verdant space surrounding you. Perhaps the feeling of being grounded and held by the landscape as it rolls and folds, or just the scent of wild flowers at your feet, or the contrast of the wildness and the tamed. Who knows what will be the inspiration for your paintings? The reason for doing the paintings is to find out.

This course will provide you with the creative processes and practical instruction to give you the confidence to go outside to your favourite location to make drawings. This work will go beyond copying the view and instead help you create studies that are rich, painterly and experimental; studies that are perfect for translating into paintings back in your studio with the help of Part 2 of the course.