Christopher Vidal Fine Art
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Artist Christopher Vidal  - Blog

Welcome to my blog. The aim of this blog is to share with you some of my experiences related to my artworks, what inspires me and also how it is done. As an artist I am also constantly learning as this is an ongoing process. I also learn from my students when I am teaching in the class. Sharing what I know with others is also very satisfying. This is how we grow and improve. 
I've been teaching art for a while now, and I must say that from this I learned a lot. This helps me to identify what each individual needs in order to become a better painter. Painting is not an easy task especially landscape painting. One needs to have the inspiration to paint a tree or a mountain and it is not a question of just wanting to paint something. I choose to paint something because there was an element that motivated me to do so ...that inspired me. It could be the game of light and shadows or simply the warm colors of a late afternoon. It is sometimes very difficult to translate the colors that nature shows us using paint on a canvas. This challenge could be also a way to motivate you to paint a scenery. 
Most important is that you do not expect that every painting that you paint is going to be a masterpiece. You shouldn't be afraid that your final product is not what you expected in the first place. An unsuccessful painting should be the teaching ground for a better one that follows. This is how we learn. We learn from our own mistakes and from things that didn't work out as we wanted them but with an effort we try to make them better the next time. 
So if you want to become a better painter then you have to practice and paint regularly. This is the only way how you can improve your techniques, discover ones of your own, learn your colors etc. It is all about brush mileage. The tutor is there to help you find your way, shows you the basics and how to use your tools in order for you to be able to develop yourself. 
Looking forward to share with you my knowledge.

The indirect method of painting

15/2/2017

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My preferred method of painting for my landscapes is the indirect method which allows me to build up the painting in a number of layers from dark to light, while developing and adding more details as I progress. With experience I modified this approach in several ways. I usually start by blocking in the main shapes in blocks of color. This is done using paints diluted slightly with odourless mineral solvents such as Gamsol. I usually keep this layer of paint thick enough to cover the canvas but not too thick. During this stage I cover the whole canvas and also try to get my tonal values as much as possible right so that later on I will only need to fine tune them. This helps me a lot to get what I want because I will be able to compare one color and tone to the one next to it on the canvas itself rather then on the palette. When I am finished from this stage I will leave the painting to dry up at least overnight. 
 
When I start working on the second layer, I will start adding more form and detail to the various elements in the painting. At the same time I will be changing and modifying color and tone. Thicker paint will also be laid down on the previous layer. At this stage I will either use the paint directly from the tubes (if this flows good enough) or else I will add 25% linseed oil in Gamsol. 

I rarely go beyond the third layer. The third layer will only be applied to selected areas where I need to have more detail or highlighting. At this stage even the size of the brushes will get smaller. The oil paints will then be diluted with 50% linseed oil in Gamsol. 
 
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    Author

    As an artist I want to share with you my experiences and what is behind my artwork. Every artwork is an expression of the inner self. It is driven by experience. 

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  • Home
  • Paintings for Sale
    • Still Life
    • Landscapes
    • Plein Air Paintings
    • Cities
    • Portrait
    • Mastercopies
    • SOLD Paintings
  • The Artist
    • About my work
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Galleries
    • Media/Publications
    • Exhibitions
  • Commissions
  • Tuition
    • Online Art Coaching
    • In person Art Consultations
    • Student Works
    • Workshops
  • Products
    • Photography
    • Placemats and Coasters
    • Other Products >
      • Licenced Photo DVD
      • Bargue Drawing Level 1
      • Bargue Drawing Level 2
  • Blog
  • Contact