Month: February 2011

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Hamish Fulton interview

“Bad at Sports” is a contemporary art blog/podcast that presents interviews with artists, curators, collectors, and other important art biz folks. One recent interview stood out for me. It was with artist Hamish Fulton. Fulton is unique in that his art is walking. The pure experience of his walks is the art, which he often documents for presentation. In listening to Fulton talk about his work, I was struck by his profound connection to environment. I found that I had more in common with him then I may have expected. He gave a new perspective on the role of landscape in art. In understanding landscape for the purpose of art it is important to experience it fully, not to just paint it, draw it, or photograph it. Fulton reminded me of this and the lesson is a valuable one.

The interview can be downloaded here: http://badatsports.com/2011/episode-282-hamish-fulton/

Bad At Sports, Episode 282, January 26, 2011



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Technique

One thing I don’t think I have ever talked much about is my technique.  So here are some thoughts of process…. Most of my paintings are on panel, though occasionally I use canvas.  Panel, with it’s rigidity, works a little better with the weight of the paint and pressure used while applying it.  I start with a panel primed with acrylic, usually I use a warm orange or red.  With a white pencil I gently sketch out the composition.  In my mind I map out the color relationships based on what I see.  Whether painting en plein air or in the studio, I look for interesting color patterns and plan if there are any I will exaggerate for dramatic effect.

To begin painting, I start with the sky.  I mix the color using a palette knife.  This color is most critical as it sets the tone of the rest of the painting.  I often spend a long time mixing this color until I am satisfied.  Because my work is small, I often pick it up off the easel.  I spread the paint on with a knife, using the knife’s edge to define the horizon.  It is like spreading peanut butter on bread.

I move on to middle ground and foreground, in that order, mixing each color as I go.  I save complicated shrubbery or trees for last.  All is done with a knife.  For detailed pattern I mix the paint directly on the panel.  The paint is often thick and applied with an impasto style.  While holding the painting in my hand I can rotate it freely to get different directions of stroke.  I have to accomplish most of the painting in one go, as it will start to dry within a day.  The textured surface makes it difficult to work on once the drying process starts.  It takes several weeks for the painting to be completely dry.

 

 

Image: Chromascape 67, detail