An Artist's Guide to Plein Air Painting Oct. 2015 | Page 16

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SIMPLICITY

This is key and why a large brush and an emphasis on shapes is so
important. Rather go for large shapes and go for simple color
relationships and value contrast to get more impact.

Figure 7 Large shapes have more impact

It would be better to use thick generous paint applications than small
brush details. It is always a pleasure to see texture from thick paint
and brush strokes. This is one of oil paint’s advantages so use it
where you can.
Yes contrast between bold and gentle paint application is necessary
too. For instance shadows are deep and mysterious while bright
foregrounds can have thick juicy paint.

An Artist’s Guide to Plein Air Painting

Malcolm Dewey