Color of the night

 

This study was done during Hsin-Yao Tseng's workshop in Austin. The ref photo was provided by Hsin-Yao as well. The original idea was to see if it is possible to do a high key nocturne. Now here it is. The key might not be that high, but the value of the scene has been boosted  up significantly. The value range has been squeezed so the predominate value stays in the middle. Therefore, the colors have more room to show chroma. However the high key nocturne may sound oxymoronic, it definitely gives the coloristic painters more space to show the choreography of chromaticity.

Kimball Geisler painting workshop

 

For about a month from now, We will have the Master landscape artist Kimball Geisler teach a painting workshop in Austin. I admire Kimball's art a long time ago, and have had a wonderful opportunity painting with him last year. I love the way he express colors and represent the grand view of the mother nature. The workshop is almost full. Please take the last chance to register at https://www.qhart.com/workshops/workshops-2026/kimball-geisler-2026.

Demo 1 at Sacramento workshop

 

Demo 1 at Sacramento workshop

2026 the year of no resolutions

 

The new year has arrived. I find myself wondering what I should do in 2026. To be honest, I am not really sure - but I do know what I will NOT do. From now on, I will no longer deliberately try to improve my art in pursuit of “progress” or so called “success”. It has become clear to me that all the paths labeled as “success” are actually traps. We think we are moving toward a better future, but really, we are just running on a hamster wheel. If life has any purpose at all, perhaps it is simply to witness the wonder of the world. Beauty – our arts included – is a manifestation of the divine. We are already complete; no improvement is required. I hope you enjoy every moment you are given. May you be peaceful and happy.