Natural painting in L’Atelier de Santi

Natural painting workshop in L’Atelier de Santi

The natural painting course has been developed in the premises of the Workshop-Study Association of Market Square of Borja, in Zaragoza. L’Atelier de Santi has taught this natural painting workshop for the second time. And this time the challenge has been double. On the one hand the chosen models have been mostly glass, and some metallic object, with which the game of reflections and transparencies was served. Something that had to be taken into account to make the initial stain. On the other hand the background chosen for this composition was clear, bright, a raw white cloth. This forced the punctual observation of the middle tones almost from the beginning.

Models for the natural painting course

Consequence of the foregoing, and with good purpose, has been the reduction of the chromatic range. The palette has been used with no more than 5 or 6 colors, including earth colors and white. Another challenge for whose resolution it is very practical to model directly with the paint. How to make a gray set, enriching it in its development with transparencies, reflections and glare. The participants, who came from a continuous practice with acrylic, knew how to see the difference. Well, the way to proceed at this point between the two techniques is different. Glitters and enhancements are left for last in the case of oil.

Students during the course.

Natural painting, role model

The observation of model in the painting of the natural it is a very important condition for the execution of the work following an order and a “strategic” scheme. In this way, observing previously, a large part of the work to be done is resolved a priori. This observation in the natural painting reveals the steps to follow and their order. The color scheme to choose and the priorities at all times. And even the point at which we must leave the brush so that the end is balanced.

Corrections in one of the works.

Of course, many misprints have been committed, but they have been used for correction and explanation. This is the most enriching when you are learning. The understanding of the masterpieces of the past, from beyond the Renaissance, goes through this experience of natural painting.

Natural painting in the Copy of Masters

And this is why the “demo” class of Copy de Masters has been made by copying a still life. This has been a detail of the work “Bruto and the Lictores” of Jacques-Louis David. An experience given the mastery and genius that the author demonstrates in this small fragment in such an immense work. A fragment of natural painting, as the author had by custom, and academy, to act like this in everything he painted and represented in his works.

Evolution of the work in the “Copy of Masters” course

The choice of this motive fulfilled a clear decorative purpose, to cover the hollow of the base of an old brazier. This will act as a rustic frame of the painted sewing case. In the winters of the rural world, did not mothers and grandmothers around the brazier do the workhome and the “calceta”(sewing with needle and thread)?

In the next post I will explain the inspiration of this masterpiece of David

Jacques-Louis David in a «trompe-l’oeil»

Work of the “Copy of Masters” course with its framework

Graphic design and layout of Elena Ortega