A PAINTER’S PROGRESS
The other colours seem a bit too separate from each other and not sharing a realistic lighting. Its pretty close though and the overall painting is heading in the direction I want it to go. Like the saturated colour and some of the forms.
Houses on a hill, Mexico. Day 3
A grand and pompous title, that’s why I like it. I can already see how this painting is going to look finished. Some painters may not like that but it gives me the reassurance that this painting is already worthwhile. I like the way the houses appear amongst the trees and that the objects are stacked on top of each other. Also the space is fairly flat, its like a sculptural relief.
Houses on a hill, Mexico. Day 2
Always interesting to use the same starting point you had a year ago to see if the outcome is any different. Thats what I am doing with this painting, the photo was taken last year and although the appraoch is similar I know I am turning further towards simplifying shape and looking more closely at pattern and colour.
Houses on a hill, Mexico. Day 1
I am liking my simplified approach to the landscape, especially the simplification of the trees, and in fact the buildings. The trees almost have the aspect of multi coloured finger prints. It looks like a simple solution to landscape painting but its not simple in practice. This painting looks like an autumnal scene which I don’t object to. I like the warmed up pastel effect. The painting is finished.
Clouds and mountains, Mexico.
Space is making more sense and the painting is better for it. Probably lacking a little punch in terms of contrast but that can be fixed. Sky needs more work but I like that rhythm between sky and tops of the mountains, may emphasize that a little more.
Clouds and mountains, Mexico. Day 3
Despite my embarrassingly short working ‘days’ the fact that I work consistently means I can say that with each passing year my painting is progressing. I say that because I am comparing my first three paintings of this year with my paintings of Mexico 2025. I have a lot more focus and a more consistent approach. Liking the way this painting is progressing. A proper painting day rather than a couple of hours before lunch.
Clouds and mountains, Mexico. Day 2
Maybe the enthusiasm has finally arrived?. I think it could have been a transitional blip transferring from the UK to Mexico and then finding a theme here. It seems to me that what I am painting in Mexico is just a pumped up version of Northumberland. Mountains, panoramas and the effects of light over the landscape. I like that, why must it be any different? I chose this photo because I like the shadows of the clouds falling on the mountains, a bit Patrick Heron with his big abstract landscape forms. I am also enjoying the dumb picture titles, although Ive enjoyed that for some time now.
Clouds and mountains, Mexico. Day 1
That ends well, and for me it did end well, why the struggle?, mostly mental rather than technical, when will I ever learn, never, it seems. Anyway, this has turned out well, as I knew it would the lack of enthusiasm was a real mystery. I’m not giving up on these mountains, next one a daytime view, not sure exactly as to what. I think I am on a roll in terms of technical approach and if I move on from these mountains it will be onto the local hills with their self build houses.
Moon rising over mountains, Mexico.
It took quite some time before any level of enthusiasm appeared. The sky was good then it all went flat after that. Now I have introduced some colour and contrast into the foreground the painting has finally come to life. Might do a little bit more with the top of the sky but it will be subtle, adding a bit more space. Now have enough of the foreground in to know how to finish this painting, it is going to turn out well but this was a bit of a grind.
Moon rising over mountains, Mexico. Day 5
Output low and creeping towards quality. Its going well and I’d rather have 5 good paintings out of this trip than 10 indifferent ones. Pleased with the way this is going. Contrast and colour will ramp up in the foreground as will the visual interest once the houses are painted in. Hopeful of a good outcome.
Moon rising over mountains, Mexico. Day 4
Its always a bit odd how I stick close to the photo and then the next day realize it isn’t what I am trying to do. I suppose its a case of you need to commit to something before you know if its right or not. A bit frustrating but part of the process. Reworked the sky taking out most of the warm light and now it is where I want it to be. The mountains are not far off so I can move forward with a bit more certainty. Liking the way things are looking.
Moon rising over mountains, Mexico. Day 3
I like the way the moon dominates the sky even though it is just a tiny dot. All due to the sky being the right tone to achieve this. I think the sky is there in its basic form. The foreground has a lot of warm light over a mostly green forest, I think the effect with the houses should be quite interesting.
Moon rising over the mountains, Mexico. Day 2
I think the mountains are going to feature in this trip. I like that kind of focus and as they are right on my doorstep then I should make use of what is close at hand. In this painting the mountains are prominent, as is the jungle, then you get a few houses emerging amongst all of this. I like that mix of vast nature and some human habitation.
Moon rising over mountains, Mexico. Day 1
I am quite tempted just to stay focussed on these mountains for the entire trip. Not obviously a Mexican theme, but maybe thats the appeal. It had never occurred to me that they should be a theme for me. The next painting is going to feature these mountains again but with a moon. This painting has turned out well and I think is finished or 95% there.
Rain clouds over the Sierra Madre, Mexico
Not easy to achieve but I think it is working. The centre and left of the painting is under dark cloud whilst a shaft of light is moving across the right of the picture. I like the light in this picture it fits the title and the clouds were really big and heavy on the horizon.
Rain clouds over the Sierra Madre, Mexico. Day 6
Not only am I trying to produce paintings to the best of my ability (that’s a struggle!) but also to photographically reproduce them as faithfully as possible. Previously I had used a basic version of Photoshop to do this which did a decent job. I have just started using a pro photo editing programme called Lightroom for my landscape photography. I thought why not try it for processing my paintings. Did it today, it has done a brilliant job. I can now adjust individual colours, the sky for instance up to now has been reproducing in too blue a tone, its more brown. This photo is probably the most faithful reproduction of any painting I have taken. Painting progressing well, I have some good photos lined up for new paintings, onwards and upwards.
Rain clouds over the Sierra Madre, Mexico Day 5
Or an English roll, take your pick, but the enthusiasm is back. I was genuinely thinking that my renewed interest in photography may occupy the entire trip. Truth is painting is the ultimate art form (biased view). There is something about the editing thought process and stylistic approach taken by each individual painter that truly sets it apart from photography. Every mark and shape is a conscious decision and it is in this process that I find the fascination. Good progress again, more work mostly on the sky. I think this will turn out to be another good painting trip.
Rain clouds over the Sierra Madre, Mexico Day 4
Will maintain a momentum and move you further down the road, it may not get you very far but it feels like progress. I have regained my UK practice of frequent short painting sessions, it seems to work for me. Long term gaps between painting is not good for me. I am really liking the way this is progressing. Most of all there seems to be a consistency in my approach which was lacking last year in Mexico. I might do a few views across this area, taking advantage of the fact that I have an elevated view point, up to the 12th floor of this condominium complex.
Rain clouds over the Sierra Madre, Mexico. Day 3
Painting in an apartment in Mexico does not come with all the conveniences of a separate UK studio. Anyway, after a new boiler installation and numerous comings and goings of people it seems I am now in the clear. A proper start with this painting, pleased with the way it has progressed and I have a good idea of the paintings I want to make whilst here. Calm has descended. Like the way the golf course is appearing and some of the roof tops of shops and apartments.
Rain clouds over the Sierra Madre, Mexico. Day 2
These are the storm clouds that were gathering last week. We are here in the dry season and I have never seen rain in 20 years of coming here but for about 20 minutes there was a torrential downpour. The scene is an interesting mixture of wild forest, mountains a golf course and random white buildings. I like this start, it is a continuation of the last painting and there is going to be a proper continuity of style and approach unlike last year in Mexico which was finding my way, I guess.
Rain clouds over the Sierra Madre, Mexico. Day 1