(This information was previously shared in my October 2024 email newsletter. I’m repeating it here for those of you who are not subscribed.)
During my workshop in Provence last month, we spent a morning sketching at St. Paul de Mausole, the psychiatric hospital where Vincent van Gogh painted many of his most famous works. It was a gorgeous day, just perfect for painting outdoors.
Unfortunately, by the time I had toured the museum, taught a lesson, and helped my students with their drawing and painting, I only had time to do a quick drawing of my own before it was time to pack up and head off to St. Remy. Painting would have to wait for another day.
After I returned home, when it came time to finish the page, I was tempted to just leave it as a line drawing. I wasn’t at all excited about painting the grey stone building and the lavender field which was long past its prime.
But then I decided to just have some fun with the sketch. Instead of painting the building using the dull colors I saw in the reference photo, colors like these…
I chose a lighter, brighter, more saturated palette of colors. Colors that reflected how I felt that day in Provence when I was happy, inspired, and energized by the sunshine, the people I was with, and the history and spirit of that special place.
The plain gray walls took on a warm sunny glow when I painted them using yellow, pink, and quinacridone sienna. The dark green trees were brightened with olive green and cad yellow light, and the field of lavender came back into bloom with a few swipes of my paintbrush!
My sketch may not be a faithful rendering of the scene shown in my boring reference photo of St. Paul de Mausole, but by using the happy colors that I enjoy, I captured my emotional reaction to the place, and isn’t that more important than being technically accurate?
So the next time you find yourself painting a scene with dull, uninspiring colors, give yourself permission to instead choose whatever colors bring you joy.
As Vincent himself said…
Real painters do not paint things as they are…
they paint them as they themselves feel them to be.
Paint what you feel. Life is too short to fuss and fret over your art. Splash some paint around, and enjoy yourself!
One Comment
A wonderful sentiment Leslie.
When I am choosing a subject to paint it is colour that overrides all my choices. Colour affects my mood. I am a joyful person so my paintings are normally vibrant and colourful.
I would love to sit in that colorful garden and soak up the sunshine. Thanks for sharing.