Friday, September 26, 2014

David Taylor Workshop!

This month I was able to attend a workshop with David Taylor in Santa Barbara, California.  I had been looking forward to this for a long time and I wasn't disappointed.  Meeting David and watching him paint was such a treat.  David painted two demos a day for the 5-day workshop and each piece captures the feel of Santa Barbara.  And I must say Santa Barbara looked stunning, every building perfectly adding to the ambiance.  I found David's way of teaching to be very helpful and he was so generous to us with his time and expertise.  

Our first morning was a little overcast and we were on the beach, painting two different views following David's demos, morning and afternoon.  Painting on the beach was a new experience for me and trying to paint two pieces a day is a push.  On Tuesday we met at the marina and David painted two gorgeous demo pieces.  But for me, boats and water, I need more practice on those two subjects!  I won't finish the two pieces I started.  We were up in the tower at the landmark courthouse building on Wednesday.  We painted street views Thursday and Friday.  Thursday, late evening, we were lucky to have the opportunity to watch David paint a night scene.  Wow, so interesting to see how he went about it.  

I hope I will be able to take another workshop from David sometime.  The week was a valuable experience and I look forward to applying what I learned.  It's difficult to paint something wonderful in a workshop, but here are three of my pieces and some fun photos...


8 x 10" Watercolor,  Santa Barbara Mission on the hill


Santa Barbara courthouse tower where we painted 


Our first day, setting up - Leadbetter Beach

8 x 10" Watercolor

 

David painting in the courthouse tower

8 x 10" Watercolor


The nocturne


8 comments:

  1. What a great time you must have had in David Taylor's workshop Sherry. I am very fond of him ,have 2 DVDs of his and love to watch them. Your works are very nice , especially I like the way you painted the street scene with people. Hope you have the chance to have another workshop with him since his tutoring must be valuable.

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    1. Thanks Phanis! I think this workshop was my favorite that I've taken.

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  2. Looks like fun, Sherry. I can already see his influence in your paintings. You really captured the Santa Barbara vibe, and of course, the light.

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    1. Thanks Terry, David was wonderful. People who hadn't been to Santa Barbara were amazed.

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  3. Your experience with plein air painting is evident in your fine paintings Sherry. Nice that I can still see your style in all of these. Great to learn and get some new tips and then add them to your work.

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    1. Thanks Lorraine. Right about plein air experience helping, and I think some great tips might soak in.

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  4. Great work, Sherry! You obviously gained a lot from this last workshop!

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    1. Thanks Joani. Yes, David was wonderful and I got some great tips to try.

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