Sunset over Miami - Drawing or Painting?

Sunset Over Miami
Pastel on UArt 7 x 5
©Randy Hamburg

This is the third in my Challenge series.  Sailing away from Miami, we caught a last glimpse of the sun as it set over Miami.  I was struck by the fiery color reflected off the bottom of the clouds and the reflections off the building silhouettes.   

I’m happy with the clouds in the painting but feel the buildings still need work.  One of the issues I’ve noted is with painting buildings in general.  When do we hard edges vs keeping the edges soft so as to maintain the airy feel of the overall painting.  

I tend to find this same problem with most objects that aren’t natural to the landscape, buildings, vehicles, fences, etc.  Maybe it’s the fine line between trying to draw the objects rather than paint them? I think this is a common problem with many artists.  We paint part of the objects (trees, rocks, etc.) but we try to draw man made objects.  This creates a conflict of styles within the same painting and takes away from the overall work.  I’ll be working on this as I continue the challenge.

I look forward to hearing from you with comments and suggestions.

Keep painting!

Representational painting….

Southbeach Sunset Reflections
7 x 5 Pastel on UArt
©Randy Hamburg

What is representational art?  We all think of something different when we hear "representational art".  I think most will agree that representational art depicts images that are clearly recognizable for what that purport to be.  However, representational art encompasses a wide range from the barely recognizable to photo-realism.  For example, a banana is recognizable whether its painted in yellow, blue or any other color.

As a representational artist, I’m an observer and paint what I see.  However, since I also interpret the subject, my paintings will be different from another artist who is painting the same subject.  In my paintings I also attempt to leave something for the observer to interpret, a place where the observer can make a connection with the painting.

Today’s painting is from a photo taken as we were leaving Miami.  As we sailed by South Beach, the sun was setting.  In the distance past South Beach, most of the buildings had a pink reflection that was captivating.  While I believe the composition of the painting works, there is not, from my viewpoint, enough contrast in the value masses.  This is something I’ll be working on as I continue in my 21 painting challenge.  Feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts.

Keep painting!

Painting Challenge....

Leaving Miami Harbor
5 x 7 Pastel on UArt
©Randy Hamburg

I recently returned from an Art at Sea cruise where I studied Plein Air Lite painting with 6 other painters from across the US.  Pastelist Karen Margulis presented workshops focused on Plein Air painting using a minimum amount of equipment.  Karen challenged us to paint more to become better painters and gave us the 21 in 21 Challenge.  The basic idea is to paint 21 small paintings (5 x 7) in 21 days.  For some of us, no problem.  However, when you work full time, finding the time to paint every day can present problems.  As I’m in the latter category, my plan is to paint 20 – 25 pastels over the next 30 or so days.  As I mentioned in my previous post, the best way to become more proficient is to practice, practice, practice. Well, I guess I should take my own advice.

Above is my first of the challenge.  This is taken from a reference photo as our ship was leaving Miami.  As you can see, my perspective was from above.

I’ll be posting my progress as I complete each painting along with some of my thoughts and would like to hear your comments about the paintings.  Constructive criticism, especially from experienced painters, is always appreciated.  At the end of the challenge, it should be interesting to see how much progress I’ve made.

Keep Painting!

Becoming a better painter....

"To be good is not enough when you dream of being great" – Anonymous

Desert Blooms 002, Pastel on Wood Panel,

14 x 11, Available from Artist
©Randy Hamburg

Don’t we all desire to be great at something?  We feel pride when we’re told we’re a great parent, or a great friend, or we’re great at(fill in the blank).  Who wants to be merely mediocre? 

My desire is to be a great painter, but what are some of the things it takes? 

Passion:  When you love something, you want to do it.  You have fun doing it and think about it constantly.  Passion drives excellence.

Skill:  Learn it!  Read, listen to those who know how to do it, attend workshops, get feedback from those more experienced on how to make improvements.

Practice.  Practice to become better, make mistakes and learn from them.  After a few years you’ll become good at it.

Mentors:  Surround yourself with people who share your passion.

Practice some more.  Some estimate that it takes 6 – 10 years to become great at something depending on the time you put into it.  How much are you willing to put into your passion.  Are you willing to put in enough to become great?

So, to hold myself accountable, I’ve started this blog.  It will be my record of what I’m doing to become a great painter.  I'll be starting a plan for practicing to improve my painting skills and I invite you to join me.  Hopefully, as you get to know me, it will also motivate you and help you improve as you follow my progress.  

Remember, practice, practice, practice!