Oil Painting- seeing color as value

This post is for the hard core artists who might stumble across my blog. As you've seen I don't regularly post because....I don't have a good reason why not. I just don't. BUT, here is a link to YT videos that I did and discusses the concept of color and value. There are two parts. If you punish yourself and make it through part 1, please grab another cup of your favorite beverage and watch part 2.

PART 1

PART 2

2nd Place & Artist Choice- New Berlin Plein Air Competition

Lucky me: The urban landscape of New Berlin, Wisconsin. About 50k people, lots of office and industrial parks, main artery freeway and a couple of winding roads and vanishing barns. But I went to one of my favorite places in NB, Calhoun Park. Three soccer fields, a baseball diamond and one pond. The pond with a bridge. I love it. Reeds, trees, scum, ducks. It's a painting waiting to happen. And the verdict is 2nd place PLUS the coveted Artist's Choice. Thanks people.

I went out of the box with my approach and got all impressionistic. Cape Cod school of art was my influence with 5 layers and heavy palette knife. Painted 9:30-11:30am on a sunny Saturday morning.

Palette knife and Impressionism Oil Painting

Vernazza Italy- SOLD

Created this little one in the studio after a visit to Vernazza, Italy in the Cinque Terra area. Was fortunate enough to have someone love this painting and collect it. Enjoy.

Palette Knife Painting

I've used a palette knife for many years. For awhile all my paintings were done exclusively with a knife. I've got about 10 varieties, but truth be told I only use about 4. In the classes I've taught many students want to learn how to use a knife. It's pretty easy. Just don't treat it like a brush.

One of the best things about using one is the clean-up process. Just a roll of paper towels and you're done! Plus, in between colors requires just a wipe and you move on. No solvents, rags, etc. For oils it's really a great option. It also forces me to focus on big shapes and away from over-blending colors.

Check it out and let me know what you think.