The end of April to the middle of May has disappeared in a whirlwind of activity. Spring is normally my favorite time of year - the warmer afternoons that finish with cool evenings by the bonfire, the budding of the trees, the inkling to clean out all of the closets and drawers. However, this spring has had a totally different feel to it. The weather in GA was stuck in some kind of twilight zone, hanging on to cold temperatures and rain like winter was never going to end.
The crappy weather has impeded my progress on my summer tan, but has not hindered my process in the studio. Of course, how could I not be inspired to be productive after spending a week with Casey Baugh teaching in my space?!?
Once I got over the shock of Casey actually walking through the door and standing in the center of my studio...I settled back in the comfy couch in my studio and just watched as he held court, talking about his painting philosophy and connecting with his students for the week.
The first day demo did not disappoint. Casey spends a great deal of time on the set-up, settling into his surroundings, adjusting (and creating!) the perfect type of lighting scheme and posing the model until he can visualize the complete painting. While this process may seem drawn out to those who just want to watch the magic when his brush hits the canvas, it's this mental process that Casey credits with much of his success.
The crappy weather has impeded my progress on my summer tan, but has not hindered my process in the studio. Of course, how could I not be inspired to be productive after spending a week with Casey Baugh teaching in my space?!?
Once I got over the shock of Casey actually walking through the door and standing in the center of my studio...I settled back in the comfy couch in my studio and just watched as he held court, talking about his painting philosophy and connecting with his students for the week.
The first day demo did not disappoint. Casey spends a great deal of time on the set-up, settling into his surroundings, adjusting (and creating!) the perfect type of lighting scheme and posing the model until he can visualize the complete painting. While this process may seem drawn out to those who just want to watch the magic when his brush hits the canvas, it's this mental process that Casey credits with much of his success.
The rest of the week was equally inspiring and insightful. Casey demonstrated with two paintings based on photographs. Watching him select the perfect shot, edit it, and again - visualize the complete painting before picking up his brush - was incredibly helpful.
Of course, the signature is a part of the painting - Casey has refined his signature and always places it with great care. Often, this is before the painting is "finished" - considered part of the process, not the final touch.
Casey was so generous with his time, and hosted a more social gathering one evening where he completed another fabulous demo in more of a party setting...the vibe was much more relaxed as we talked, ate, drank, and heckled Casey as he created this masterpiece.
We also took some time to admire the sculpture that Matt Lewis has been working on in the studio.
On the final day, Casey arranged our lovely model against one of the fabulous 100 year old walls in the studio. The lighting, the red dress, even her hair color were perfect together.
Tucked out of everyone's way, I worked on a painting from a photo of the same pose.
Hearing Casey talk each artist though their painting, and watching him make adjustments, was incredibly helpful and I tried to keep two things in mind as I worked - push the full value range that I want to establish, and value is more important than color.
This is almost finished...I have since resolved the hand. I will post another picture soon!
Great news: Casey Baugh will be back at Studio 81 in August of 2013 AND in June of 2014. If you are interested in getting on the waiting list for 2013 or signing up for 2014, please contact me.
