Page 73 - Australian_How_To_Paint

INSIGHT

Low Tide - Mevagissey, Cornwall, England 81 x 61cm Oil on Canvas

photos is a mistake, as colours can slightly uncontrolled and often exciting on or through everyday objects or
alter significantly and shadows become to see as it goes down. My philosophy atmosphere. But I firmly believe they
impossibly dark. Using a laptop allows in painting is simple: make it look real don’t mind being shown.
me to tilt the screen and see better tone but make it look like a painting. I do not
and detail in shadow areas and give subscribe to ultra-realism where none of Contact and Galleries
truer rendition of colour elsewhere. the many thousands of brushstrokes that Studio: Tin Shed Pottery
Washed out skies need careful treatment make up a painting are actually visible. (Artist Studios)
or a separate photo of the sky to work I want people to know that I have used 13 Russell Street, Invermay,
from. I have found, over the years, brushes and palette knives to create the Tas, 7248
some subjects do not respond well to work. I work with a strong obsession Ph: 03 6334 2889
photography. Backlit clouds or even with light, and I want the viewer to Web: www.darrenmeader.com.au
trees against bright sky show a high feel the emotion that compelled me Email: darren@darrenmeader.
degree of tonal incorrectness. These to paint the scene in the first place. com.au
kinds of subjects require much plein air In that very aspect it then becomes a Without Pier Gallery
study work to truly capture both colour great responsibility for me to paint it as 320 Bay Road, Cheltenham,
and tonal variation. well as I can, not just for the viewer’s Vic, 3192
To conclude, I have to add one more enjoyment but also for my peace of Ph: 03 9583 7577
ingredient - technique. This comes down mind. Brialyn Boathouse Gallery
to your working materials, your tools for I don’t think many people see the 368 Nepean Hwy, Frankston,
paint application and the way in which world as an artist does. The way Vic, 3199
both are employed. It is how you apply the light falls across a subject with Ph: 03 9770 6119
paint that defines you as an artist. My shadows changing throughout the day. Town and Country Gallery
work is strong with brushmarks and I The way light reflects into shadows 111 Princes Hwy, Yarragon,
enjoy the feel of loading up a palette or haloes a backlit subject, or many Vic, 3822
knife and applying it, for the result is other examples of the interplay of light Ph: 03 5634 2229
Australian How to Paint 73