Thomas Kegler: HUDSON RIVER FELLOWSHIP: Workshop in the White Mountains

The Hudson River Fellowship 2012 was held in Jackson, NH this year. What an amazing place to paint! I held a 4 day workshop in conjunction with the fellowship to focus on obtaining plein air color studies. Below are a few photos documenting the event.

DAY 1 - A BASIC APPROACH

This the first morning at Jackson falls. I demonstrated my basic approach to a landscape that included the standard elements: close/detailed foreground (rocks, waterline, etc.), middle ground (treeline, shoreline, water reflections, etc.), background (a series of overlapping mountain passes), and some sky elemenst. This allowed me to discuss how to orchestrate all of these into a coherent compostion. I stared by imparting an "imprimatura" and grisaille underpainting. This established the major elements into 4 major value masses and immediately revealed if the composition would be strong enough to continue. As this was drying, I pre-mixed numerous piles of paint for each value mass. When I was finished with the pre-mixing, the underpainting was dry and began to paint. This basic approach was repeated each morning for a separate demonstration.

The participants spent the afternoon choosing a motif to paint, and they mirrored my approach.

Eliza starting a tree/waterfall study

Elizabeth working on Jackson Falls.

Eliza

Susan focusing at Jackson Falls

I took an evening stroll to Glen Ellis Falls and did a quick color study (see future post for image of finished piece).

One of the amazing views available right near the road!

DAY 2 - TREE STUDY

On the second day I completed a tree study using a similar approach to my first day... More emphasis was placed on capturing the character of this particular white pine tree.

Elizabeth, Susan, and Doone starting on a tree study

Elizabeth at the easel

DAY 3 - ESTABLISHING DEPTH THROUGH OVERLAPPING LAND MASSES

Here I am discussing how to approach depth in a large vista.

This amazing view is right at the side of the road - we are using this roofed overlook due to the rain forecast.

The painting here is close to finish.

Later that evening I painted at Echo Lake and was treated to an amazing sunset

(see future post for image of finished piece).

Also topped at Cathedral Ledge on the way out - treated to a stunning red (full)moonrise.

Day 4 - BOTANICAL STUDY

On the last day I demonstrated an approach to a close up forest interior.

Elizabeth working on a small leaf study.

Jane chose a birch tree with ground foliage.

FINAL EVENING - group showing and glazing demonstration.
On Friday night all the fellows and the workshop participants gathered at Erik Koeppel and Lauren Sansaricq's studio for a last-evening party. Everyone brought a few works to share - always a humbling event. The talent and dedication revealed at these gatherings is truly inspiring.

I gave a demonstration on how to use glazes to enhance a field painting.
Sometimes the glaze is applied to the entire painting - or it can be used to develop specific areas.