THURSDAY
We kicked off Thursday morning at our studio. My demonstration was of graded washes; washes over large areas, even the whole sheet, with gentle soft-edge transitions. First of all, I did two washes of skies. Then, I did an unusual one; an almost abstract runny wash that suggested a misty landscape. As it dried, however, I worked light to dark and gradually developed an interior with a window. When finished, the misty landscape could be seen through the window.
The final wash suggested a foggy day. I used value to accentuate the feeling of depth and atmosphere.
Following our session at the studio, we convoyed to Dark Harbour on the west side of the island. Dark Harbour is home to the largest fleet of dories on the island and they’re used primarily for gathering dulse, an edible seaweed. The dories are always a popular subject and we spent a productive day below the towering cliffs.
Camps, cabins of all shape and size, line the beach at Dark Harbour. This one still seems to be celebrating last month’s Canada Day holiday.
The tide was flowing in quickly toward the end of the afternoon. We took the hint and made our way back for critique. Don’t forget to click on a critique image to see a larger version.
Thursday Critique a
Thursday Critique b
FRIDAY
Would we enjoy yet another day of beautiful weather? Our painting site was a quiet laneway of sheds and boats at Ingall’s Head. I set up my easel for one more demonstration. I wanted to take the group through the whole process of a small watercolour painting, starting with a pencil drawing and working light to dark and big to small. At one point, I moved everything to a shadier spot and completed the work there.
We got sun, all right! Our painters dispersed after the demo to look for shade and subject matter.
Alas, all good things come to an end. We went back to our studio to cool off and have a look at the day’s work.
Friday Critique a
Friday Critique b
On Friday evening, we gathered at our cottage for our Farewell Dinner. It was an opportunity to relax, socialize and discuss the week. After dinner, we had one more group event on our itinerary; Final Critique. Each artist showed us a small selection of their week’s creative output and talked about it for a few minutes. It’s a very nice way to summarize our time together. Earlier in the day, our good friend and excellent photographer, David Ogilvie, took a group photo. Here they are; the Grand Manan class of 2018!
Thanks go to all of the participants for their hard work and enthusiasm. Also, special thanks to my partner, Aleda O’Connor, for taking time from her own painting to assist me in every way. In addition to that, I appreciate you for following, liking and commenting.
Grand Manan Island
Class of 2018
Tags: art holidays, Barry Coombs, Canada, en plein air art holidays, Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, outdoor painting workshops, painting holidays, plein air art vacations, plein air art workshops, Sketching, watercolor, watercolour demonstration
Barry Coombs Art Workshops 
08/08/2018 at 2:49 pm |
Following the Grand Manan news with pangs of envy. Just finished renovating our old house. No energy left for travel.. I am getting some ideas from your blog Barry. Thank you for sharing. I am in Vermont at my place, and painting a little. The lobster is ok here. ..but I miss the little boats. The group looks 👍 great. There will be a next time. Keep well. Pat
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09/08/2018 at 9:45 am |
Thanks, Pat. Looking forward to the next time.
08/09/2018 at 8:04 am |
Enjoyed the Wash, article and All the pic. So pretty. I did not know about a Dory, its cute boat. Love what the Group did…
Thanks always for Sharing, Barry. My Travels thru your Pic.
Lois