I’m back in beautiful SM de Allende with a great group of watercolour painters. We arrived on Thursday and enjoyed our Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Friday was a relaxing day. I led most of the group on a tour of the town and the afternoon was free time for painting, shopping or just taking it easy.
Things got serious this morning (Saturday). I gave a demonstration at the hotel, reminding everyone of the importance of value and pattern.
Following that, most of the group worked on the hotel grounds for the day. The courtyard is lovely and spacious and our rooms were close at hand. It’s a good way to start as we sort out the practical elements of ‘en plein air’ watercolour painting.
It was a good start to our workshop. We convened at 5pm sharp for our first critique. Click on a critique image to view a larger version.
Saturday Critique a
Saturday Critique b
I gave another studio demonstration on Sunday morning. This street scene was quickly drawn from memory. I discussed a ‘big to small’ process and varying washes to add interest. Also, we discussed what colours work when painted over other colours and what doesn’t work. For example, I can’t paint a green door over a red wall without getting a very dull result.
After the demonstration, we headed to Parque Benito Juarez and it’s a lovely spot for painting. The park is very green and surrounded by attractive residences and hotels. Just up the road from the park is the outdoor public laundry. No-one was washing clothes today.
It’s hot here but lovely in the shade. I discourage the painters from painting in the sun. A pleasant day in the park wound down and we returned to our studio for the critique.
Sunday Critique a
Sunday Critique b
I left the hotel early on Monday and walked up to Plaza San Antonio, a quiet square with a brilliant white church. I set up my easel and prepared for an onsite demonstration and I was ready to go when the students arrived.
The square has a large shade tree with a view of a street dropping down. I pointed out the importance of checking angles carefully in order to make the perspective believable. After we discussed that, I painted the scene with a flat angled brush. It was a very complicated subject so I stressed simplification as I took them through my process.
Everyone sought out shady spots and got to work.
It was nice to cool off in our studio at the hotel at critique time.
Monday Critique a
Monday Critique b
Tuesday is a free day. Shopping, sightseeing and even more painting was on the agenda. We’ll be back at it tomorrow morning in sunny San Miguel de Allende.
Tags: art holidays, Art Workshops, Barry Coombs, en plein air art holidays, outdoor painting workshops, painting holidays, plein air art vacations, plein air art workshops, San Miguel de Allende, watercolor, watercolour
Barry Coombs Art Workshops 
27/03/2019 at 3:11 pm |
Great pix, Barry. Have a great time!
10/04/2019 at 6:57 am |
Beautiful pic, looks like all the artist are enjoying all. thanks, Barry.