Our talented and inspiring Australian painting tutor Charles Sluga has posted this interesting tip in a recent newsletter. He asks: “Basically, how do you know if your painting is good, bad or ugly?”
Charles says; “Here is a little checklist:
The Good
Your painting is pleasing to look at and has a simple clear message.
The colours are in harmony – meaning they sit well together and you haven’t got too many unrelated colours.
There is an overall tonal pattern, with a dominant tone.
You have a combination of soft and hard, or lost and found edges.
It isn’t complicated by unnecessary detail.
You have eliminated what is not needed for the ‘story’.
It has the mood you wish to convey.
You want to continue looking at the painting.
The bad and the ugly
Charles says: “When a painting is bad it is often also ugly, but not always. It can be pretty, but a bad painting. So let’s combine the two – Bad and Ugly.”
Charles says; “These are the indications that you have a bad and/or ugly painting.”
The Bad and Ugly
Lacks a clear concept.
Visually displeasing.
Too many hard or found edges.
Too many unrelated colours.
Bad design.
No clear tonal pattern.
Charles adds: “Look at the two very quick studies (both unfinished) here and see which of these you can apply. Note that these conditions also apply to an abstract. It doesn’t matter what the subject is, but how it is designed that matters.”
Charles Sluga is a highly respected and sought-after watercolour artist in Australia who has gained a reputation for his versatility in both his technique and choice of subject matter. Charles is also skilled in acrylics and oils and is happy to teach in those media, too. Charles not only teaches technique, but also how to think and see as an artist, which he considers just as important. His friendliness, sense of humour and willingness to impart his knowledge makes his classes relaxed, informal and inspiring.
Here’s what some previous students had to say: “In addition to being a very talented artist, Charles is an extremely capable and professional teacher: we all benefited from his instruction and guidance during the week.” “The most relaxing holiday I have had for a long time: lovely accommodation and exceptional food.”
At the moment Charles’ course is fully booked, but there may be cancellations and we can put you on our waiting list.
30 September-3 October Watercolours (and acrylics and oils)
with Charles Sluga
To learn more about Charles and his course at The Watermill, please click here.
Come and be good The Watermill!