Through the Eyes of an Artist : Daniel Gerhartz Teaches
How can I create paintings that capture emotion?
How do I capture and depict a convincing sense of light in my paintings?
These are great questions that I'm frequently asked
and what I gather from really what they're asking me is
Dan, how do I create a painting that really connects with the viewer?
How do I create a piece of art that moves their soul?
I believe the first step is to allow yourself to be supremely moved
with the beauty around us.
As you look around, as you watch the model,
as you look at the landscapes or the still lifes that you're setting up,
it's okay to be completely blown away by the beauty
and let that inspiration and enthusiasm carry you
not only through the painting, but the same energy
will carry through to the viewer and they will feel it.
Then, once your passion is enkindled,
work with all your heart to develop your understanding
of the fundamentals of capturing light, air, and form
as you observe that which takes your breath away.
When I compare how I observed the subject in my early days
as a developing artist to how I presently see the models,
I realize and acknowledge that I'm seeing basically the same light
on similar subjects with the same eyes,
but what is the difference?
The difference is that the seasoned artist
knows how to distill the information
and extract precisely that which is essential
to create a captivating work of art.
In this course, Through the Eyes of an Artist,
I'm really excited to share with you some clear
and concise strategies to help you understand this process.
I want to share techniques and ideas
that will help you organize and identify the nuances
of value, edge control, and color temperature
that will enhance your ability to translate
that which has inspired you into a powerful work on canvas.
As I have studied the work of the great masters
and considered why their works stand apart,
it's very evident to me that they've visually edited
what to paint and what not to paint while they observe the subject.
I want to teach you what I believe
the critical takeaways in seeing really are.
When we begin our paintings, there are so many items
to keep organized in your minds as the painting builds.
Accurate value control, attention to edges, drawing,
utilizing color and using temperature to build the form.
Sometimes it feels like we're juggling with too many balls
and they're falling all over the floor.
So then how is the artist able
to effectively organize these things?
I believe the best way to approach this challenge
is to focus on one element at a time.
We developed these courses to help you for precisely this purpose.
When you begin to understand these concepts independently,
you'll have the confidence to accurately establish them
in combination and to take on any subject
in any given lighting.
This is all very attainable, and I would like to take
the mystery out of this process for you.
It does require some practice, but that's the fun part.
That's where the joy is for us in this process.
And as you develop, you'll watch your paintings transform
into beautiful, powerful works of art right before your eyes.