Brian Mark Taylor

After spending a couple of hours with Brian and watching him paint, I came away with a better understanding of some painting goals that I have been working towards.

Here are some of the take aways I got from his demonstration.

-Establish the large shapes and the darker value areas first.

-Your brush work should be varied to increase interest and detail in your painting.

-The use of a dry brush helps create texture within the painting that others interpret as detail.

-Abstract shapes within the painting help create interest.

-A focus on edges lost and found within the painting should be used to create areas of focus and interest.

-Don't let the composition dictate an exact reading of the landscape.  If you need to move or alter elements do so to complete your vision of what the painting is meant to be.

-Look for something beyond the obvious in your composition if you are painting a familiar subject.

-Learn to trust your mark making and don't overwork your painting.