Mitchell Albala
Mystery and Atmosphere
Episode 66
Episode length: 1 hour 41 minutes
Also available on:
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Mitchell Albala is a fine art painter, noted author, and beloved workshop instructor. His first book, Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice, is a well-worn reference in my personal library since 2009 when it was first published.
Mitchell now has an exciting new book available, The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color. When I received this book a couple of months ago and read it, I knew this would also be a treasured – and much used – volume in my library.
This is a one-and-a-half-hour-long episode and it's much like taking a mini-workshop from Mitchell. For example, In this edition of the Artful Painter, some of the topics Mitchell covers include:
His journey from the first book to his latest book and how changes in his approach to teaching became the foundation of the new book.
The use of notan for capturing the basic shapes and patterns that drive a composition.
How plein air painting supports Mitchell's studio work.
Direct observation versus "informed modification."
The perils and pitfalls of working with photos and how to get the best results from using them in the studio.
The picture window format and how different aspect ratios affect the directional energy of a composition.
Telling the viewer everything they need to know in a painting versus asking the viewer to participate in the perceptual process.
Color strategies, simplification, abstract impressionism, and so much more!
In addition to Mitchell's love of teaching, he is also an accomplished fine art painter. His work is driven by three visual imperatives: the inherent abstraction within nature, pattern, and unified light. The landscape is an ideal subject with which to pursue his interest. Mitchell Albala's mastery of these visual imperatives is evident in his beautiful, evocative paintings that are filled with Mystery and Atmosphere.
Mitchell Albala
The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color, by Mitchell Albala (2009)
Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice, by Mitchell Albala (2021)
Click on the images above for a larger view.
Links
Links:
Mitchell Albala
Website: https://mitchalbala.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LandscapePaintingEssentials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellalbala/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MitchAlbala
Books
The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color, by Mitchell Albala (2009): https://amzn.to/3r89ahz (paid link)
Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice, by Mitchell Albala (2021): https://amzn.to/3ueT4oF (paid link)
Mentions:
Dan McCall: https://theartfulpainter.com/artful-painter/dan-mccaw-45
Barry John Raybould: http://barryjohnraybould.blogspot.com/2008/10/notan-sketch.html
Tom Hoffman: https://hoffmannwatercolors.com
