FIGURES in a LANDSCAPE plein air OIL PAINTING

[@Susiachi]

I think the empty trail in the oil painting is more inviting. When the figures were included, they served more as an obstacle up ahead, sending the message, “this trail is already occupied.” Eliminating them reopened that trail for me. Lovely to see all that juicy paint go down!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks!

[@misterfrenk9942]

Wonderful atmospheric painting. I totally agree to remove figures out of the painting. The final result is just perfect.👌

[@meredith7236]

That's a pretty Blue Hills with the burnt Siena

[@mauracarta.]

You nailed those greens and make creating a dynamic composition look easy.

[@lunabouch]

I agree with your comments on oil vs watercolors. Both renditions are wonderful.

[@sherrierichard2848]

Agree with Kristin’s comment that the figures are more “ghost like” in watercolor, more natural. Love this painting for the brushstrokes but accurate drawing. Your choice of colors, all over the work is harmonious and really captures the atmosphere of that day. Really fine work!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Sherrie!

[@janmorrison4141]

I liked both versions of the oil painting. Good to try and to realize the boundaries of your own style. I'm working on the ending of a novel and I put things in, look at it, take it out and so on. I find I wrestle with my allegiance to something I've created. It exists but maybe it doesn't need to. The process is ever illuminating.

[@KayInMaine]

Your watercolors are as superior as your oil paintings are, Michael! Love how you did the figures in the watercolor.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Kay!

[@KayInMaine]

@@chamberlainpaintings you're welcome! 😎

[@TrekellArtSupplies]

Both versions looked awesome! Beautiful painting!

[@martingimenez339]

Hi Mike, what a beautiful work. Taking off the figures was a good desition, sometimes with landscapes like this one so open air adding figures cuts the "ambience", on the contrary adding figures into a watercolor works because it balances the "overall weakness of the medium" with stronger lines. I remember our conversation about beards and I see yours is getting whiter so I guess you are getting happier with it lol.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for your thoughts Martin! Yes, I wish my whole beard was white lol. I have to be patient 😂

[@jimreid9674]

Figures could have been good. Maybe start with looser scratchy indications in the same style as the rest of the painting. In this painting they would have to indicate wind and sunlight. A dog, barely identifiable would be good too. I think that is the trick, making them only a suggestion of a figure. Easier said than done. Figures breath a lot of 'story' into paintings that otherwise can often look 'empty'. Love your dark focal point and how it sings against your lightest value. Great atmospheric perspective too. Very good Michael, very pleasing.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for your thoughts Jim. My problem with figures is the same problem I have with placing birds, cows, or other details in the painting. They add clutter and detract from the overall composition. I may experiment with adding groups of figures that have interesting shapes.

[@barbarakahla4189]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. I am inspired to paint outdoors now. I love your work. Your “thinking out loud” as you paint is really enlightening.

[@KristenOckertFineArt]

I love both paintings. But as a watercolorist for many years, I often felt painting figures in watercolor made it feel more natural in a way, like they were floating and ghostly where with oils they can feel heavy, and maybe in a literal sense, it really does relate to the medium being used.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for your thoughts Kristen!

[@KristenOckertFineArt]

@@ronschlorff7089 I feel painting figures in landscapes can be done very nicely. Sargent was great at it. Monet was great at giving the “impression” of figures in the distance. I don’t feel Michael’s oil version less superior than the watercolor version. But I do understand why it had to be removed. Watercolor can really give figures in the distance or foreground a more floaty feeling, and sometimes they work better. I guess that was what I meant. Figure paintings on their own are definitely the primary focus and the landscape is merely the background player. Artists like Gainsborough often used the landscape and figure and melded them into being both stars.

[@scottkendall5655]

Glad on your decision on the lower left foreground. Backing up it appears, at least on my screen to work nicely. Reminds me of a quote I had seen attributed to Rembrandt:. Paintings were meant to be looked at, not smelled. Also glad you took the figures out. Love your work and always watch your vids as soon as I can.

[@carlstoveland]

Both great! Your watercolor work has come along so fast!

[@lm2487]

I look forward to you channel every Sunday morning! Thank you for wonderful inspiration & teaching!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I'm so glad!

[@mallory4437]

Going to a paint night, tonight! Thanks for the great painting tips!

[@meredith7236]

😳😳😳😳😳 that water colour is gorgeous

[@1Thedairy]

Thank you for showing us the difference in painting figures in oil and water colour. I totally agree with you! Maybe it’s because water colours are a much lighter medium so the figures don’t dominant so much. Whatever, it was a very useful exercise and I loved the final painting.

[@SuzWhat]

Half Moon Bay: location Cobalt blue: experimentation Olive green: vegetation Trail size: exaggeration Interest: variation Loaded brush: saturation Figures: obliteration Studio: demystification Patreon: inspiration 😁 Both paintings are wonderful. I agree that the oil painting is somehow better for me without the figures but love them in the watercolor. Maybe just the closer figures would have worked in the oil painting? You paint figures beautifully in oil. When you have chosen to include them, they work. Great video. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks for sharing! Peace and love..Suz What ☮️💛

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Suz! I like to paint figures when they're the main subject. 😊🙏💛✌

[@SuzWhat]

@@chamberlainpaintings I was thinking of a trucks one that had a guy walking away and maybe a store front city scape one that are really beautiful.

[@sharonh667]

I enjoy both these paintings. I think the figures work better in wc because the actual paint is less interesting than the oil so the figures provide interest and focus; whereas in the oil the paint and brushstrokes provide that interest and the figures take away from it. Just my opinion. As I said I think both are well done. Thanks for posting your painting trips. They are an inspiration.

[@jamesart47]

Your latest work is incredible, I love this painting!

[@lysypost6668]

you helped me figure out what I want to do with my life! I started painting and found my passion thank you!

[@karenpotter6867]

thanks! Some good tips! Nice painting too.

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Michael, I love the way your brush ‘ dances’ constantly. That’s what I call it, the dancing brush . !! You did the right thing taking out the figures in your oil. But I do like them in the watercolor. As a watercolor artist you know I’m glad to see how well your doing with it. 🌴Plant City , Florida 🌴

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Ha, yes! Keeping energy in the brush. I'm really enjoying watercolors. I think it's helping to improve my oil painting!

[@andrewrea2799]

Great video Michael. I like that you were okay with taking out the figures when you didn’t like how they were not working for you. That takes courage.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Andrew!

[@mikepetersen7319]

Nice Paintings. Both, the Watercolour and the Oil. I think Your decision to let the bend of the path trail off over the edge of the Picture was right. I also like how You depicted the haze in both Paintings.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Mike!

[@raymondpaul123]

OK the figures. I really like both paintings and I think the oil would be fine if you would’ve had the same detail in the oil painting because the figures in the water color are fantastic.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for your thoughts Ray!

[@AndrewBarrowmanArt]

Great video Michael - I liked both paintings. For me - the oil does work better without the figures but the inclusion of the people in the watercolour definitely helps. Thank you for your efforts in putting this video together so we can all enjoy. Best wishes from Cornwall UK

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Andrew! I'm thinking that figures in oil could work if the figures were treated as an interesting, abstract shape. I'll have to give it a go!

[@AndrewBarrowmanArt]

@@chamberlainpaintings I agree with you Michael - I like the way Fred Cuming used figures in his landscape paintings. Suggestive marks and abstract shapes are enough

[@chamberlainpaintings]

@@AndrewBarrowmanArt I'll have to look up his work!

[@joanndenson2957]

Going to watch several more times before I comment,but I do like.

[@lm2487]

Funny! The oil looks much better without the figures & the watercolor looks great with them! Crazy!

[@Dennis-Hare]

Very Chase -like, Michael. Thank you for your philosophy behind the process.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Dennis!

[@paulclarke3086]

Hi Michael. This was a great video for me. I've been trying to animate my paintings - mainly urban and nocturnal versions. Trying to just show figures and not get drawn into the detail is difficult and I've read up about it a lot. In my view, some paintings need figures - i tried to do paint a scene in a railway station but i think i got lost in too much detail. My landscapes and seascapes don't usually have figures. Interesting debate - for me I try to get the viewer to come up with a back story if i can. Brilliant as ever and thought provoking. Cheers

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for your thoughts Paul! I think figures should be viewed just like any other shape in the composition. I like the idea of including groups of people that create interesting shapes.

[@daphneaugier]

Beautiful painting, your colors are so good all the time!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Daphné!

[@BarbieBud]

Really love this

[@joycebutler3494]

the colors you mixed are very harmonious together , particularly nice painting! Thanks for sharing.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Joyce!

[@CedricWilliamsFineArt]

Beautiful painting! I'm excited to get back into Plein Air Painting again!+

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Cedric! Yes, we must paint again soon.

[@lisakunish936]

Being an introvert, definitely prefer paintings without people, unless they are far away! 😉 Both paintings are lovely!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Lisa!

[@angusbidgood]

I wanted to let you know that your video’s inspired me to start painting. I started in September 2022 and am so glad I have found this hobby. It is such a rewarding and fun experience to be able to complete a painting and move onto the next one. I plan on trying out plein air painting soon.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I'm so glad!

[@lisahaaseckle]

Nice job with the plein air. I didn't think your figures were bad, I actually liked the first shot you showed with the figures but then you did something and changed it and lost it. I think sometimes we have it right but are too critical of ourselves. Anyway, it was good without the figures, too. I think having figures in a landscape does give life to it and your watercolor with the figures was very good.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for your thoughts Lisa!

[@sillyharleen]

I really like the way you paint. Every step is like magic and I love it! Keep doing this! ❤️

[@chrishomel9558]

Looked good with the figures but I agree, it was better without. Weird how that works. The movement you captured in the sea is really fabulous. Nice work as always.

[@veronicagreen6180]

I love the watercolor w figure: oils better without the figure

[@miriamtong8808]

Love watching your paintbrush move and energy of the foreground when you get up close. I haven’t painted in a while, but watching your vids every week keeps me excited to getting back to it again. Agree the figures somehow better in the watercolor. Thanks again!

[@sharronboxenbaum7392]

Great results. That big of a path can be hard to make interesting

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Sharron!

[@LeeAnnM]

You’re right. I also find as a general rule I don’t mind figures in watercolor work but I don’t think they ever work in oil landscapes. They always seem out of scale somehow in oils?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I know what you mean. I think they could work in oils if the shapes were interesting. Painting individuals is just adding distracting detail but groups of people that are treated as one shape could work.

[@margaretsmilligan9393]

Wonderful video, thank you

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

Very nice painting, sir! I agree I also prefer it without the figures, but it's okay. Also, I know that so many people love watercolors, but I still prefer oil paintings, I don't know why! ... Have a wonderful day! Greetings from the EU! ...

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Olda!

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

@@chamberlainpaintings Cheers!

[@charlesa3374]

I really liked the figures...wise to incorporate them...maybe a bit more color in their dress since they were fairly close to the viewer...either way, a great painting...

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for your thoughts Charles!

[@meredith7236]

This is gorgeous and sassy . You are getting looser your style us evolving again . I find mine with a push with change ¹-2 years.

[@an.ouk08]

What do you think is a good thing to paint for beginners?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Paint anything that inspires you! The important thing is to start and keep going.

[@mbhart]

Beautiful work as usual! Maybe more so in this video than your others I noticed that being a right-handed painter your scrub ins are mainly diagonals moving on a lower-left to upper-right angle.... I’m accutely aware of this probably because I’m left handed and see the opposite in my work. I wonder if we can tell which of the old masters were right vs left handed. Thanks for your videos!

[@artweeks6986]

Nice Work.

[@raynoladominguez4730]

I tint all of my canvas' as part of my initial prep process; in my studio. That way I am ready to start sketching right away. Is there a specific reason that you tint on site? Do you like the tinting to be somewhat wet when you start painting? I am just wondering. Nicely done. Thank you.

[@sophiefernelius2406]

Lovely painting. I like the simple shapes and the painting works better without the people in it! And in my neighborhood!! 😊

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Sophie! Yes, it is!

[@henriquejanuario881]

Thanks for sharing these videos! Do you recommend some watercolors brushes from Rosemary?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I haven't tried Rosemary watercolor brushes. I use Raphael Petit-gris brushes for watercolor. They're expensive but very nice!

[@henryguzman5161]

Love it

[@josephmccartney8847]

what paint box is it you use / it folds up.. and doe it attach to any easel ?

[@MS-fr2dm]

I like this painting and I agree that the figures weren’t doing any good to the composition. Love your videos by the way I think I have watched most of them now 😮. My preferred ones are the more vlogy kind of videos. Thank you so much for sharing, all the best from DK ❤

[@jand9770]

Prefer the oil painting with out the figures...With the figures, the view looks too occupied or crowded. The oil painting with out the figures looks more inviting...But LOVE the watercolor WITH the figures.. So I agree with your choices too...👍👍👍

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Jane!

[@marcosfonseca8735]

Tenho aprendido,certas coisas em marinha,paisagem de campo,abraço Chamberlain

[@jeremylukeStudio]

❤

[@ellieleerkamp3766]

do you have any tips for getting back into painting?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Give yourself a simple assignment. It can be anything. An assignment to paint trees, or fruit, or something red, etc. Try not to have expectations just have fun.

[@alvinray9080]

👍👍

[@meredith7236]

I don't know what light fast means . And after a decades of painting I don't know why I don't know that term . What is it please?

[@andrewrea2799]

Light fast refers to the pigment’s ability to not fade in sunlight. Colors are considered light fast when they maintain their intensity and vibrancy over a long period of time time (usually 100 years or more). Paint quality can affect light fastness but also the chemical makeup of the pigment itself can affect it as well. For instance there’s some Van Gogh paintings that don’t look the same as they did when he painted them over hundred years ago because of the paints that he used.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Andrew explained it well!

[@debbiemattison7810]

Hi Michael, I feel like the people in the oil painting didn't fit the composition well, in the watercolor they were facing the focal point and leading you into the painting. Just my thoughts...

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for you thoughts Debbie!

[@raymondpaul123]

Where is the snow? San Francisco is supposed to be inundated with snow? What’s going on? L O L. What the HE double hockey sticks. ?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

The snow is mostly at higher elevations. However, we did get a dusting at the location in the video but it melted very quickly.

[@douglasriddle6447]

Like the painting, but find it a bit flat. I think the figures would have worked if they had not just been silhouettes. The figures could have acted as a pop of color to draw the viewer into the painting, especially if their had been a similar color in the foreground. The same could be accomplished without the figures, if their was a repeated pop of color in the foreground and further up the trail. Again, personal preference.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks for you thoughts Douglas. I think we just have different taste.

[@mpileggi4399]

Your right looks better without the figures.

[@mikegurney9278]

Have you ever done a Nocturne, that would interesting in your style.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I've done them in the studio. I've been thinking of doing a plein air nocturne and filming it. Stay tuned.

[@organicpaul]

H Michael enjoy your work...inspires me to get out there! thanks