HAVE I IMPROVED? return to one of my first PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING locations

[@VictorianStudio]

Been bingeing all of your videos, from oldest to newest in the past few days and learning so much - thank you! I also ordered my very own viewfinder like yours today. Now all I have to do is get the courage to get outside instead of painting in my studio. Love your work and videos, thanks so much!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

So glad you're enjoying my videos! Plein air is only scary the first few times. Just go for it! 😊🌟

[@ThomMinnickArt]

Now that was a really really eye opening video. Definitely do some more comparison videos!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Maybe I’ll make it a series 😊👍

[@jackteare8292]

@@chamberlainpaintings it's a 100% better painting than you did years ago. Isaac Levitan 👍👍 brilliant, I know it's a different subject matter he is renowned for but I am blown away by Ilya Repin's works. Have a great day, all the best.

[@markparkey1218]

MICHAEL. - 12:01 verses 12:08 the two places I’ve been looking at the very well done painting. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING ! ( now just to me , at 1208 there are a lot of objects, faces, images in the trees on the right, not as many on the left, as you were painting and I was watching, the feeling of the dirt road being under about a foot of water felt like the past, but it never rains that much there I’m guessing ) . The painting is very well put together, I like the definition on the tree trunks on the left in particular. I LIKE IT. ; ). , , Going to look more later, time permitting.

[@marcyperrier7030]

Your cast shadows are so transparent in this and I love the way you handled the trees....well everything.!...love this painting.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks!

[@marshabarnosky8637]

So helpful! I just “discovered”you and have been catching up, watching every video you’ve made. I appreciate your running commentary as well as the brevity of your videos. As an ADHD artist, I can lose track of things in longer videos. I haven’t been able to paint in a year. Your videos are my part of my “jump start”.

[@joycebutler3494]

What a interesting exercise to get to compare paintings from the same place many years apart. The growth is definitely there! You should be very happy.

[@frozencancukfinearts]

I look forward to your daily short vids. And I find the plain air work is very interesting.

[@lewisartuk]

4 things.. 1) 13 yrs I have along way to go. 2) I love your analysis of paintings and composition 3) I had never heard of Isaac Levitan glad I have now. 4)Your first plein air paintings were way past my first paintings. Thank you.

[@petermurphy9968]

Definite improvement by miles. Also there is more confidence in the brushstrokes which can immediately be seen as they are looser and painterly. Composition wise, there is a vast improvement in understanding what is more pleasing and comfortable to the eye. Temperature seems to be the hardest for artist to understand and grapple with, but you have definitely mastered temperature and it's shifts compared to your older paintings. The warm lighter shadows in your latest painting nailed it.

[@marykay1946]

Beautiful sky holes in today's trees! All those older paintings had the path coming in from the lower right corner... Your younger self moved everything around except the path.

[@the101connection]

Great painting. Huge growth from your early work and showing that Is so valuable to us trying to grow as artists

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks!

[@stephendixon17]

The 1 with the irregular shadows is the best!!! IMO

[@charles6762]

wow one of the best videos , educational and examples of Levitan, although scarry, most of your videos lull one into a false sense of the ease of composition and the technical aspects of value and color . I now have to face the reality of the process of growth through experience. At 71 a daunting realization. I still have at least a month to go for eye surgery to heal and be able to start the journey. I am stoked to get to work and produce a lot of crap so I can realize some success . Thanks for the inspiration. Although your paintings will be rewarded for their stand alone value as art maybe your greatest legacy will be that you inspired so many to pick up a brush or at least become interested in the modern California Plein Air era.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks, Charles! Sounds like you've got the right attitude. We learn more from our failed paintings. Every painting fails in one way or another and that's ok. Every painting is a chance to learn and grow. Perfection is impossible but more importantly it's boring and inhuman! Enjoy the journey 😊

[@artofgould1945]

I love the concept of this video! I often paint plain air and have genuinely never thought to return to the exact same spot. Definitely going to try this now! As for the answer to your question: you have most definitely improved/matured. You’ve learnt from every painting and ended up with something absolutely lovely 😊

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks! I'm going to do this more often. 😊

[@james6401]

It's not only necessary for me to visit and see a nice place again and again to paint it but also to see that place under different weather, season and lighting conditions.

[@anniemcaward8363]

Love all of your videos, and patreon! I have watched them all and learned SO much, particularly gaining confidence in my own work. Watching and hearing how you choose and mix color in this one is particularly helpful , Thanks for what you do ❣️

[@conniemcconnell8347]

There's definitely an evolution. I would think that with experience comes more confidence, more thought and planning, learning and adjusting materials to suit your process. I enjoyed seeing the comparison. Gives everybody the knowledge that if you keep going, you do grow and get better. Thanks for sharing!

[@julioalarcon7092]

I love his technique, it is wonderfully loose. I am learning from it

[@artsalivestudio]

Simple answer: yes. Much improvement.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks George!

[@antheablackmore5838]

Really interesting to see this !

[@Ykelli]

I love this so much! You should definitely do more comparison videos! ❤️

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I think I will! 😊👍

[@geoffdundee]

Sometimes when looking for subjects outdoors to paint.......all you have to do is simply turn around to find the perfect composition........like@0.12 seconds on your intro :)

[@gigigggigi]

So with composition, is it more important to pick a good perspective and paint truest to what u see, or to leave out details that aren't as pleasing to the eye?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I move things, edit things out, change values and colors, whenever necessary to create a good painting. I never stay 100% true to the scene. Nature will very rarely hand you a perfect composition.

[@scribbleswh2018]

Composition and palette yes, but your brush strokes, accurate with energy, which gives your paintings that special something. You give me hope one day I will get there. Thanks for the introduction to Isaac Levitan, definitely will be studying him.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Pam!

[@lalat7260]

Yes you do look tired, hope you had a good nap! Thank you once again for a wonderful video. I enjoyed seeing your earlier paintings and seeing how you have evolved and improved so much!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Lauretta!

[@madelineowen8052]

Damn much improvement no question

[@daikayll1897]

Have you changed brush sizes or shapes since then ? Same pallette too ?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I think I'm using the same brushes and palette. I've eliminated cad orange and added yellow ochre and dioxozine purple. But to be honest, I have no record of my materials from 2007. I'm not sure when I made those changes to the palette I started with in 2003.

[@hannahvalentini2643]

dude I wish I could paint like you

[@22soko]

Love your videos. Thanks for introducing Isaac Levitan, I didn’t know about him. Above the Eternal Tranquility 1894 is simply superb👌🏼

[@JackRainfield]

Great video! No matter what field of work you are in the ability to criticize yourself is something I believe separates the greater from the lesser.

[@howardlobb]

great to see the difference ,,, composition is something that I experiment with and that can get me into trouble ,,, taking the time to be aware of my options and intent,,, it pays off ,,, Levitan ,,, Yes he is one I pay a lot of time studying his approach, along with Sorolla ,,, I just am so impressed with their capture of light and use of shadow in their work,,,

[@pjfreeman4789]

Great seeing the comparisons. Thanks.

[@urtevlogs8452]

Luv u and ur daughter

[@chamberlainpaintings]

😊💛

[@Dale_Blackburn]

@@chamberlainpaintings Could you do a video on Cezanne? Like a copy study of one of his paintings and deconstructing how he thought while painting? That would be an amazing video i guess.

[@williamsweeney7954]

To me the earlier ones seemed somewhat Cezanne-ish. Great stuff.

[@thisandthatdailylife9081]

The most recent painting is excellent. It was very interesting to see earlier versions and how your skills evolved ( all in a very positive way ). Thanks for sharing.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks!

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

Huge improvement in that more recent one. The paint handling looks miles beyond the previous.

[@davidgough3512]

Really enjoyed this, the successful revisit piece and comparison with older work. Meanwhile, the planets (and comet) have truly aligned: J Verni stoking over Emma w pineapple stick DM, Gravy mentions "Emma's Dad".. my world is now a bit more complete, claiming the Dream IS Real lol !

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Haha, yes! Emma got up on the Gravy board last weekend. Gotta get Emma and Jordan surfing together someday. 😂🤙

[@SuzWhat]

The brushwork in the tree to the right of the path is phenomenal. Thanks for the link too. Thanks for sharing! Peace and love...Suz What 🌻🌼🌻🌼

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Suz!

[@newartstudio5733]

You are one of the few American realistic landscape painters I know. Amazing

[@peterkowalenko2553]

Thank you for your comparisons. There's hope for me, yet! Thank you ,too, for the Ivan Shishkin link-awesome. awesome, awesome art!

[@newartstudio5733]

You seem to prefer purple and ochre in the dark part of the picture. It's a little fixed. If you add a little more light source color, the interaction between ambient color and inherent color will be richer.

[@ms.caricostanzo7209]

Such a great video. Loved seeing the progression. The shadow work has improved tremendously. As someone who is trying to learn to paint, I find capturing shadows to be incredibly challenging--terrifying and of course lots of fun at the same time. Your lose brush strokes result in such beautiful texture, and you capture the light so perfectly. And I really like the way you manage even to capture light in your shadows! Amazing.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Cari! I’ve learned that luminous shadows makes for a luminous painting. 😊

[@AudiobookLibrary24-7]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@daikayll1897]

If you don't mind me saying Mike. Its in your shadow areas that you've matured from those two paintings. I love Shishishkin , Levitan and the modern Russian impressionists of today aswell. The compositions are exemplary and the atmospheres are so spell binding. Tonalism par excellence in my view. The American Tonalists give any genre a run and present day exponent worth checking out is Dennis Sheehan. Thanks Mike. Ever interesting my friend , Hwyl

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Dai! I'll check out the painters you mention.😊

[@oliverhill113]

It's interesting you mention Isaac Levitan. As well as watching your many inspiring videos. I too enjoy watching Isaac Levitan KZbin video. He is currently my favourite artist. The mood he creates is beautiful. Like you I study his work and try and learn from it. Your work has definitely matured over time. I think your paintings look more professional, even though your earlier ones are still good. Many thanks again Michael. Your work demonstrates how important composition is. Happy painting!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Oliver!

[@1Thedairy]

That was very interesting. I think you’ve progressed enormously as your brushstrokes are far more confident and expressive. There seems to be more unity too and the colours are more harmonious. I thought your video recommendation was inspiring. He had such a range different styles but the one thing that stood out for me was the simplicity of his compositions and the way the skies seemed to dictate the mood of the paintings. Thank you for that.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks!

[@markparkey1218]

- MICHAEL. - yes you have, , ,evolving pursuit of creativity, , , feels very fitting, , , watching today up to mention of a nap : ) , then jumped over to Issac link, watched to time 3:29 in wanting to see what you review at night(s), felt stopped there, came back to your video, a fan wrote saying they’ve watched , “” binged “” all your videos from beginning to this one today, now ready to adventure outside. You bestow(ed) so much more, more than you realize. Hey did you speak about maybe doing a Series, the world has been watching a living journey of creativity that’s greater , fuller, more wonderous to me than a question of “” better “”. Gotta go through this video six or seven times more, it’s satisfyingly compelling. . . . . ......

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, I think a series would be fun!

[@getcreativewithpoulomigosw3750]

This is a very good video. Learnt a lot. Thanks for sharing the important points always on your channel. Love your paintings

[@jand9770]

This was a great comparative discussion. Demonstrates how much your painting abilities have greatly expanded with continued practice..

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks!

[@josephmccartney8847]

showing your improvement is awesome. .fantastic

[@RT-wl6tq]

Your sky holes are much much better

[@glendapace8047]

You were great before, but now, WOW!!

[@darceycrandall688]

This painting is beautiful. Only my opinion but I see great improvements! I think of the Judges C's and Yes your composition, craftmanship etc are better and colors are great but most improved is'Compelling'. All the newer work has that and that is The Soul that carries the rest! And thanks for moving and shaping rock tips in Alla Prima Seascape video. Saved my painting from looking like turtles on parade. P.s. Stuck in pea soup fog in Boothbay for a week!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Darcey! Glad my seascape video was helpful. "Turtles on parade" 😂 Love that. Sorry to hear about the fog. I can relate!

[@elisabethseeger5837]

I like your latest painting much better - seems much more mature and less of the eager go for it plunge in with less reflection (I’m just now coming out of that phase). I’m finding that when I get exited about a place I will attack with gusto and when I ghetto home I look at the picture and say - wow, that’s sure not what I thought I was doing on site😄😄

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, I’m trying to be more thoughtful and patient with the painting process 😊👍

[@glendarich6458]

Great job! I really like this one better, better blend and softer edges. What is your brush holder? Thank you

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks! I made the brush holder out of canvas. It’s basically just a bag.

[@glendarich6458]

Thank you

[@martingimenez339]

Obviously you improved a lot, the right half of this painting is perfect. You know I avoid greenery, can't nail it, I'd like to be able to deliver trees and foliage like that.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Martin. The greenery is tough. I still struggle with it!

[@frankpainter2203]

The comparisons are great. Pointing out spots where you are not satisfied is nice to hear.

[@mindycarpenter8573]

As always, so good, so informative. Thank you!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Mindy!

[@retiredpainter259]

That’s a great thing to do , I can’t even look at my early junk , infact I love painting right over them to get the satisfaction of seeing them disappear lol

[@chamberlainpaintings]

😂👍

[@raynoladominguez4730]

That was fun and informative.

[@richgilroy]

How do you get the scratchy look on the initial shadows? when I do it it comes out far too uniform. Love your work.

[@glendapace8047]

Yes you have!

[@donnaduhamel6004]

much better I must get out there....mistakes force us to grow Than you for the inspirationX

[@honeygirlsapiary]

Definite improvement over the years :)

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Gary!

[@markparkey1218]

( truly a fond wish of mine to closely , in depth, open up in complete neutrality to this “”Adventure “” that MICHAEL in a “”true self. Pursuit”” undertook, executed, performed, and took me along, ,,, via his excellent video). . ( so , to me, “” sharing the prep from early morning to arrival Michael clearly states the YEARS gone by, and, his objective goal is answer, Am I Better ! Michael with viewfinder creates a sketch, me, using pause and rewinds, many times attempt to be sure analyzed feeling, thought flashes, hearing, taste, touch, warm and cold emissions,with or without emotions ranged from love of creativity - to - envy, that “” May radiate from the painting that would pick up any old negative, or positive energies, even reflect them into the future.. . .Almost immediately, ANYONE, can tell Michael Chamberlain is SERIOUS at arrival, his voice, movement, tone, pitch, eyes, everything i, he’s serious. THE SKETCH he does , listening, feeling, and talking to that , it says Michael is on the Present Day Left Hand Side OF The Sketch, 13 years ago his past self ,, was ,, associated ,, with the right hand side of the sketch, to me. This was the pencil sketch ! SOON , Michael using a idk, brownish dull deep red mixed in ‘ a liquid’ , is deftly, near surgically holding the end of a long scalpel, it’s a brush, meticulously handled like an old pro using a scalpel to apply the sketch paint. .... Obviously, but in between conscience & sub- conscience creativity zone of his mind, the left side sketches out higher, taller, the right side side shorter, wider, road in between the two sides. At 2:01 I find what looks like small area of water, previously and again feeling a flooded road at 2:45 . Going on Michael deftly strokes after shadow base the green bases very coordinated movement, flowing, often holding near the end of the stick, many concise strokes. 7:49 enlarging the roadway shadows, earlier at 1:55 a near group composed of 3 close shadows, and two more shadows not far from the first group, 1 sitting with an arm up seemed rigid aggression in the arm, the furthest road shadow upright felt & gazes hidden aggression. . . . . .7:22 got the greens tickling into the left, special edit affect his painting arm fades away drops out, WHILE, his left arm stays there still painting, flowing creativity like a genius, until 7:33. At 7:34 back to shadows on the road until 7:58. The shadows are cast from the right side of road foliage . 7:58 moves to define trees trunks on left, ,, , it is then the “” Right. Side OGRES are making scowling gazes, the more the strong tall trunks are defined a grumbling noise becomes audible, louder, at 8:05 more definition to left branches, trunks, and smaller well defined healthy trunks, continues, . ALL THE WHILE the right side trees and heavier bush foliage “”GAINS MORE”” definition, speaking grumbled whispers to themselves they NOW TOTAL 8 IN NUMBER ! One, there’s one, behind which all other dark images reside, the ONE is closest to the road and the furthest shadow, long heavy nose, sunken dark left eye, large protruding chin, heavy “”OLD MAN”” eye brows, mouth open the OGRE HOLDS A PAINT BRUSH, NEAR FIST LIKE, BRISTLES DOWN. . . . . SUDDENLY time mark 8:21 into video, it’s done. CAMERA FOCUS in real good at 8:31. STRONG & tall the largest tree on the left, it’s canopy fills the top of the canvas, close, to its right, another strong tree, adjacent , well defined trunks, fronted by red hues of flora & fresh full green bushes. Many eyes of “”white”” single but positive in energy, furthest down the left side road a lARGE bush, high set brow and nose, confident chin, open mouthed speaking truth the OGRE & devious companions could not bear to hear, silence, they now are silent. . . TASTING THE FEELING of the moment, the largest tree has, 4 Eyes, AND, from around its left leans in a pretty female branch FACE fully with accentuated leaves, pretty eyes mouth chin, leaves for hair, speaks pleasantly, voice like a song. ALL NINE old demons, OGRES, , ,critics from the past idk, become FROZEN, on the right side of the dirt road. ... THE LEFT side by merely growing as a group, radiate positive energy of YOUR WEALTH IS WHERE YOUR FRIENDS ARE.. ). , , , Michael that’s what the painting says, OH YES you are better ! ! !

[@chamberlainpaintings]

You should do art reviews!

[@markparkey1218]

chamberlainpaintings - Michael, you are very kind, i made pencil sketches of the nine Ogres, free handed on blank paper, many of YOUR PAINTINGS are like a brightly burning candle in the dark, metaphorically I’m transformed into the Moth, drawn inexplicably to the flame. You would get a good laugh of my poor sketches, , .. Several of Your Paintings are suspended in my mind, there , in that place , they defy gravity, floating, feel like obelisks from Stonehenge, some seem like they should go together, to me , the one I referred as “” Past Destiny “” , it goes with this one, together , in my imagination, they represent 3 points in time, , like hinges of your journey upon the path of creativity . This painting you just done, don’t know why, but to me it calls itself “” The Flooded Road “” , yes it’s completely dry there, . Thank you for your videos, and thank you for noticing me.

[@victorpulis5113]

obviously you made gigantic steps in your work the result of practice and perseverance.

[@joycebutler3494]

New Plein Air painters errors gone, which one would expect after 12 years. Fun to revisit the spot with fresh eyes and experience paid off with a solid hit.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, I plan to revisit a few more of my early painting locations.

[@judyassem7361]

Just incredible

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks! 😊

[@markparkey1218]

YES, but gotta make coffee 1st, : ). . And of course I want to try to see all of it

[@polaflynn7495]

hello im a big fan of your daughter Emma she is so inspirational 🥺 also i love your art

[@brianestill]

Great video Mike! The comparison of the now vs then was a unique insight! Great painting also. Compared to your older ones which were more simplified. These days you probably work faster and get more info or "truth" into the paintings, and also have a more specific idea for design.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Brian! I’m working larger and looking more carefully. Also, I’m trying to keep going until I get the effect I’m after. I used to give up more easily!

[@BetinaLundkaerJensenartist]

Thank you for sharing. Really interesting! Levitan...beautiful paintings and also very different! Great stuff!!

[@tonyandrade207]

Way, way better! Keep up the great work Michael. You’re growing baby!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Tony!

[@jonron4729]

👍👍👍

[@borealiswan2363]

Amazing progress ! That was a really interesting comparison. I've destroyed all my beginner's stuff because it was taking up too much space

[@frances3254]

Super, Mr. m So often I've thought would be So helpful and inspiring to see Early paintings of advanced painters. Too easy to compare my present day painting to advanced painters and come up short. So neat all the greens with your limited palette and your bold strokes from early on. very cool !! (as retired RN, you have great arm veins) nm fran

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Fran! I’ll try to include more early work on my videos. I noticed my veins too. 😂

[@jaunieschooley8641]

Where is this location? I live in the East Bay and am looking for good Plein air locations with low foot traffic. I’d love to see one of your videos with location recommendations based on where you’ve been and paintings from that location. I’m learning so much from your videos. Thank you!!!

[@BrendansReasons]

fun to watch, I like the recent one better overall. however, I think some of the brighter greens from the prior ones could have better represented how it looked in the video at least, and the depth contrast between trees was not as drastic as I'd hoped from your game plan. Wait I'm not an artist what am I talking about, cheers

[@ancaizcreativopintor6499]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ súper genial artes un10 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ porque me encanta ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kimlanoue2033]

Great idea. You have really improved. Hard work really does show.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Kim!

[@margaretsmilligan9393]

Great video here, love your painting , great lightness of touch….enjoyed looking at your old pieces too, good exercise , thank you

[@sophia6624]

awesome!! a new chamberlain painting video!! 🎨

[@chamberlainpaintings]

😊💛

[@gwendolineflo3824]

wow the painting is so beautiful! and the video idea is great too :)

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks! 😊

[@lorijohnson773]

Isaac Levitan has some paintings that look like they were painted at twight light after the sun went down. Have you ever thought of trying to do a night painting?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, I've done several night paintings but they're of buildings. It could be fun to do a landscape. 😊

[@lorijohnson773]

@@chamberlainpaintings Right... I forgot about the twilight street scenes. Ever done a night painting?

[@janis6363]

Ever wonder how Picasso painted Guernika after his earlier toned down lady portraits? I liked the earlier versions of your painting too. Last version was pretty and you liked it. Evolution of a painter. Ever wonder if Klimit thought his work was messy? 😂 😊👋🏼💕

[@vishalbhaskar8554]

Hello Sir. Which oil u use while doing oil painting. Please tell

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Utrecht and Winton brands

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

Awesome video! I like the painting. In my opinion, you've made great progress. Congrats!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks!

[@sallygruber2749]

That's why I study you LOL!!

[@las174]

I've been doing that with Peggy Immel's website, and using a larger monitor because you can actually zoom in and look at the complex layers and brushwork, but ya, you are still left wondering, how they did it, what kind of brush, which came first, etc. but it really does fill my mind with a visual idea. peggyimmel.com/works I'll check out Levitan now.

[@toniasagoo5010]

Hey Chamberlain!🙋‍♀️ How's it going? Wow! You really have come leaps and bounds with your plein air painting!😁 The one you painted today sure was stunning. Keep up the good work. Stay safe xx

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Tonia!

[@issmattybrblz3838]

Ok,Then

[@Jigger2361]

..lol that is one grotty bag, dude... great channel!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks! Painting is a grotty business 😂

[@newartstudio5733]

nice nice I seldom compliment others.

[@markparkey1218]

Oh Oh just arriving ; )

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Welcome 😊

[@robertogiani2230]

Fantastici video..vorrei chiederti il nome di siti dove acquistare l'attrezzatura per dipingere in plai air. Grazie Roberto

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I usually shop at blick.com