A PLACE OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY
Mark taught his plein air painting approach at the Ko'olau Mountain range.
The students gathered around and the birds sang while Mark laid down
the initial shapes using paper towels. He roughed in the image primarily
worried with VALUE not color. In a place of such beauty, it can be intimidating
to try to capture it. The cloud cover shifts and the light on the Pali moves
rapidly. Mark works fast as if he is one step ahead of the clouds. He explains
the painting technique while also explaining the construction of the mountains
so the artist students can build a better painting.
Mark continues with discussion on color and value but there is much to be
understood about this particular group of mountains. The organic shapes
are strong and bold but there is a linear sharpness and prominent angle to
these monstrous forms. He proceeds to explain how to led the eye in to the painting
with my favorite explanation. He says "pretend you are on a donkey and you are
traveling up a path to the mountains". He wants to make sure you can see
that path. He emphasizes that you do not want to make the low lying trees
in to ONE level plain that prevents the eye from entering the painting.
If you decide to hike around Ho'omaluhia you will not be disappointed. If you
decide to paint en plein air at this O'ahu Botanical Park, you will never forget
the experience. If you also manage to paint with Mark at Ho'omaluhia, you will
come away from your day with a renewed understanding of painting outdoors.
