Keeping things in Perspective.

I've been painting for years but I have only been able to fully focus on being a full-time artist for the last two years.  Over the 30 years I worked in the field of Architectural Design.  I've decided to write about the subject of Perspective after studying various paintings that I absolutely love and paying close attention to the skills involved to paint such a work of art.  Many artist can't see why a painting is not working but most of the time it is due to a mistake in either Perspective or Rendering.  Every object in life is seen in perspective and has to be rendered properly to turn with the light.  Mastering these skills is a must if you wish to convey what you are seeing without struggling. 

I had rendering and perspective courses in college but I also used the skills daily in my work as a Designer.  Even with my training I have to really intently focus on these points when starting a painting.  I don't believe these skills come naturally and it is very important to develop them as an artist to paint almost ANYTHING true to life.  Even one line going in the wrong direction or one dark spot on a round object placed incorrectly can make the viewer unconsciously feel as though something is "off".  I am currently working on a painting of the Grand Canal in Venice and I know it is imperative I get the perspective and depth correct.  It is not an easy task that's for sure.

If you are a young artist take the time to study perspective and rendering online if you have not done so.  The schools do so much with computer aided drafting now that the skill of  hand drawing in Perspective has become somewhat of a lost art.  Here is my current piece before I started to detail it with paint on the buildings, I spent a lot of hours trying to get the perspective right.  I hope to fine tune my lines with my brush strokes, we shall see.  I'm writing this for any young artists that may stumble across my blog because I feel it is an important point.  One of my favorite artist in my art group was an Architect and his drawing skills transmit so beautifully to his Plein Air paintings.  This past week we spoke about the importance of these subjects and it is fresh on my mind as I hit the paints this morning.  

Have a nice week and please keep all things in perspective!  Just my thoughts for myself too : )