mary smoot-souter
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color theory

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Color theory is simple when isolated on a single form, for example a sphere. Determination of colored light source (cool or warm) and shadow, hue and value, allows  the illusion of three dimensional form in color.

gray scale

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Value studies are basic tonal gradations of the gray scale, 10 equals the highest value in the light spectrum white,
and 0 equals black, the absence of light!

Multiple tonal studies are invaluable lessons via cast studies, portrait work, three value landscape studies etc.
​A good tonal study is more important than color.
Any color choice can be made as long as the value interpretation is correct.

Intro. to Drawing & Painting
front street gallery
patterson, NY 

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front street gallery studio
150.- for 4 session 3hr. group lesson (at least 3 students)  * 37.50 Drop in fee
40.-  private 1 hour
Students at all levels work on learning how to make decisions within the picture plane. Observation from life allows the student to sketch and compose using points and line, findng a comfortable way to draw.
Charcoal sticks are encouraged to keep sketches free and simple. Use of form and single light source allows observation of light, shade and form.
Further studies with canvas and tonal washes with oil paint allows students to begin massing in. Line and edge work is discussed in areas that contrast in value and blurs occur near objects that are similar in value. This creates atmosphere and space.
In the final stages, color is introduced when the student can handle drawing, composition and value studies.
After working from life and a simple introduction to drawing and painting, artists can bring in photos and other inspirational subject matter to work from.
materials:

Drawing Board
Charcoal (medium and hard), Sandpaper, Hard edge razor,
Canvas Board, Burnt/Raw Umber, Viva paper towels,gray paper palette or glass board w/gray paper,                                                                                Odorless turpenoid, Studio linseed oil


children's drawing and painting class

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Children's drawing and painting classes in the studio and or outdoor plein air. Basic drawings skills taught with charcoal; still life, animal sketching, portrait, landscape drawing and painting!
Groups of 4 children @ a time.
At Front Street Gallery or in the privacy of your home.
Price may vary.

still life painting on canvas

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Sammy's still life 2012
9 yr. old acrylic painting of first still life!
Sketching done with charcoal and lay in of paint/color choice.

portrait study with charcoal for lay in

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Study of Chelsea for larger painting idea. Sketched with medium
vine charcoal, keeping shapes relatively simple and blocked in for
light and shade considered. Edge work enables shapes to feel three
dimensional, hard edge vs. soft edges creates atmosphere and
sensitivity to subject matter.

landscape studies from life or photo

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Quick ala prima (direct painting) on toned canvas. Mass in average tone (light/dark) of major areas; sky, land, water, etc. Light, middle and dark (3 value) separation added with color choice, underneath detail unifies the painting as a whole.

monochromatic (wash in) or grisille
burnt or raw umber underpainting

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White canvas is completely covered to a medium value with burnt
or raw umber oil paint (quick drying oil paint, usually over night w/out medium).
Using a soft rag or viva paper towel, artist begins to wipe off lights, making
marks with darker paint and works all around. Some wash-ins  can be
left while others are strictly used as under paintings for full color paintings.
Drawing, composition/placement, values and edge work are main elements in a
monochromatic wash-in study.


painting plein air
swan lake rt. 22

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Plein Air painting is a french word that means
"open air". I find plein air painting to be one of the most difficult of painting styles.
An artist has to be prepared for a variety of elements. Most learn to paint quickly and use broad strokes
to define basic shapes of form, light and shade and color notation.
After small field studies are done, artists typically bring their color notes, sketches and photo reference back to the studio
to construct a larger, more finished painting.

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