Always Composing -395

Using the words of the Boston School’s, Frank Benson, we discuss how impressionists ‘find’ a potential composition and then spend the entirety of the painting reeling it in as a composition. Sets out to separate the compositional ideas from the realism in the execution of paintings from life.
In Response to
Paul L
QUESTION: I wonder what the import of this question might be when you consider the "shop talk" that said, "Always be designing" or something to that effect. Who was it that said that? Gammell perhaps? In what sense was that said? I take it that in the Boston School methodology we're largely talking about "the right color (hue, value, chroma), with the right shape/edges, in the right spot". But if that's the case (and to your point about posing the sitter etc in the setup) how are we to "always be designing"? Have I got that quote correctly?
I am wondering if your approach differs from setting up in the studio vs. plein aire? Do the use of view finders or some strategy like that factor in (besides for composition)? For instance, exits would not be readily apparent unless you have a very clear composition in mind even in the set up and use of view finder. I could imagine that selection of the "rectangle" aka the canvas is immensely important in this way of working including the importance of sight-size location of the setup.
Paul L

[@stephenjamison6124]

Thank you Paul, one test to go, then I will know how bad things are and what I'm facing. Your videos always bring me such pleasure.

[@lyndsienash3070]

Thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge! There are so many amazing take-aways here. A few of my favorites: define your world for a painting and stay in it, extend the composition, and don't let realism take over.

[@PaulIngbretson]

Welcome, and glad to see your grasp of it all.

[@paullee4442]

Mr. Ingbretson and Mr. Benson thank you for returning me to the "source" that is essential beauty! I appreciate the response to my question; it has really illuminated and clarified my confusion around how to design while avoiding the imaginative (when you're not intending to work in that way). I found your discussion around composition enlightening. I fear that science and technology (like the small digital cameras on our phones) have destroyed my ability to see this essential beauty but forces me to relate to world-visual too "literally" and not as an abstraction of color, shape, and pattern to be amused by. Besides, the constant bombardment of media/tv etc, and its cheap forms of amusement may also have contributed to missing the amusement as you've described here. Your time on this topic is hugely appreaciated as always!

[@PaulIngbretson]

Appreciate your contribution here, Paulee. Very welcome.

[@sunkanswer8221]

Thank you!

[@PaulIngbretson]

Very welcome indeed

[@mojoryse7836]

i love this channel :)

[@PaulIngbretson]

:)

[@monicarosado4427]

Hello,Iam a paintig from Costa Rica Iam interesante in learning form your technique I could put your subtitles in SPANISH please