Sorolla: A Master of Color and Value

My dear friend and teacher Everett Raymond Kinstler was a student of the great painter Gordon Stevenson (1892-1982).  Stevenson studied with both John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla. While in Spain working with the great master artist, Stevenson was amazed at the clarity of color and mastery of value that came from the artist's brush.  

Sorolla taught that good color comes from good value and a SIMPLE palette.  

All too often we tend to think good color comes from the shelves of the local art store and the dozens of colors that are at our disposal.  A friend reminded me recently of the simplicity of Sorolla's palette:  

Zink white, Yellow Ochre, Seville Red Earth, Rose Madder, Ivory Black, Cassell Earth (Brown).  

Remember...good color comes from good value, color harmony, and a simple palette!

Another Touch of Inspiration

One of my favorite series of portraits by Everett Raymond Kinstler are those of Katharine Hepburn. 

This one, currently hanging in a club in NYC blows me away everytime I see it.  Mr. Kinstler's last of the great actress... it is my favorite.  

Here is a CLOSE UP I shot recently.   Look at those edges, volume, subtle value and temp shifts!  Did I mention the likeness....wow!  What a MASTER.

May Portrait Workshop

I had a great week working with a fantastic class in my May workshop.  Everyone dug in and worked hard.  We enjoyed painting from life and sharing knowledge and experiences with each other.  I am honored to have so many dedicated artists who travel from around the country ready and excited to learn and grow as artists.