2013 Plein Air and Studio Workshops

PLEIN AIR AND STUDIO WORKSHOP SCHEDULE




My 2013 workshop schedule is available. I hope you consider one of the two current workshops.

April 19-20, 2013: Studio Workshop. Painting from photo to create plein air looking paintings. This 2-day workshop will be at my art studio in Vallejo, California. Cost $200. Click for brochure.



June 13-15, 2013: Valley of the Moon Workshop. This 2 1/2 day plein air workshop will focus on architecture and vineyards in and around Santa Rosa (Sonoma County), California. Cost $275. Click for brochure.

2013 Calendar

My oil paintings are all originals and not mass produced. However, in reflecting on paintings completed in the past year, I decided that a 2013 calendar would be well-received by my family. I decided to order a few extra. If you are interested in one, please use this link to Paypal or mail me a check (address in contact tab). Each calendar is $20 which includes shipping. I hope you enjoy the 12 oil paintings featured.

Fracturing a Painting

Pipe Essentials, a 10 x 12 oil painting illustrating the use of "fracturing" techniques

One of the techniques C.W. Mundy taught in his recent still life workshop at Fechin Art Workshops was what he termed “fracturing a painting.” This involves different methods to break up a painting to keep it interesting to the viewer. I started with a gesso base on a board to create texture. Fracturing is created through variations in brush work, use of a palette knife, and softening edges. Pipe Essentials tells a story which is important for a successful still life. The Prince Albert tobacco can came from my Grandfather and the pipes are from my antique collection. The box of matches are placed to enhance eye movement. What experience have you had using fracturing techniques?

Before and After C.W. Mundy Workshop

Taos, NM was the location of C.W. Mundy’s five day still life workshop. I first met C.W. in 2005 when he taught a workshop in the Loire Valley of France. In addition to being a plein air painter, I strive to excel in still life paintings. As a life-long learner, workshops are an essential element in ongoing education.

C.W. has seven foundational truths of painting: Drawing; Squinting; Design; Value; Color; Edges; and Paint Manipulation. I incorporated each into the still life below which I painted after the workshop concluded. A few reasons I believe the  “after” painting succeeds compared to the “before” painting is because there is a more defined focal area. The orange has the brightest brights, next to the darkest dark. This is key to drawing your eye into the painting. Paying attention to still life values more in the “after” painting caused me to paint the upper portion darker and the table lighter. This achieves greater contrast and interest. The second copper pot has softer edges. It is not the focal point so not as much attention is placed here in the “after” painting. Do you agree the workshop helped the second painting succeed? Let me know if you have other questions as to paint choice differences between the two paintings.

Still life in preparation for C.W. Mundy workshop

"After" still life - same set up, but after C.W. Mundy workshop completed.

Plein Air Workshop

Interested in a 2 1/2 day plein air workshop in Sebastopol, California. AWS has organized one from October 19-21, 2012. Click here for details.

Youtube Art Demonstration - Pont Neuf, Paris

Please view my latest YouTube oil painting art demonstration. I welcome your comments and am interested to know if there is a specific technique or process that I should focus on in my next video. This one takes the painting from start to finish.

Updated Website

I updated my website. Please subscribe to receive posts that will contain tips for artists, collectors, new videos and information on my latest plein air and studio oil paintings. Take a look and let me know what you think of the changes. http://www.jensenstudio.com.