CHRISTOPHER VIDAL
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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.

Setting up the studio

7/12/2017

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Getting or finding a space is not that easy however even if it is a small corner in a room that is already a big step forward. And why is it so important to have a dedicated space to practice your painting? Yes it is important because you will need to practice your art without any distractions, and when I say distractions I am not only referring to those from other family members but also from the simple fact that when you feel like in the mood to paint you will want to find all the tools that you need ready to start painting. This is important especially knowing that time is limited and hence if you find half an hour free to paint you do not want to waste half of it setting up and then packing again when finished. This will eventually kill your mood and inspiration.

If you are very limited in space a small table in a corner of a room will be good enough to at least practice your art regularly. 
The most important is to have the essential needs with you and these are:
  1. An vertical easel to place your painting surface on.
  2. A space to hold your palette, brushes and paints
  3. Sufficient light preferable similar to daylight.

It is very important to have the palette located either directly in front of you or else slightly to the side but without having to turn too much to reach. I usually use another easel to hold my palette so that it is also in a vertical position to avoid a lot of glare from the light, Recently I also installed a monitor on one side of the easel onto which I can see my reference photos, when I am using references. If working on a still life I will want my easel to sit next to the still life itself maximum distance not more than a meter and a half. On one side of the easel I have a table with all other tools I need while painting including brushes, palette knives etc. 

Lighting should be located high up almost just above (but at the front) of the canvas. Never have your light source coming from the back as this will result in glare on your painting and also you will cast a shadow on the remaining of the canvas. Ideal lighting should have a color temperature of 5000 - 5500 kelvin (k) and so be neutral in color. Working in yellowish light can seriously affect the colors that you mix for your painting.

​In other areas of the studio I have shelves with materials and media that I use for painting, framing and still life props. I have a small storage for canvases, shelves for drying canvases and a table where I do varnishing and other tasks from time to time. I also have a space where I can photograph artwork.


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    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
  • The Artist
    • About my work
    • Media/Publications
  • PAINTINGS
    • Paintings for Sale >
      • Landscapes
      • Plein Air
      • Still Life
    • Commissions
    • SOLD Paintings
  • Tuition
    • Online Mentorship
    • Workshops & Demos
    • Plein Air Painting
    • Oil Painting Course
    • Student Works
  • Products
  • Blog
  • Contact