Seeing and Painting the Colors of Nature - Joseph Dawley

In this book, the technique of painting from photographs and the study of colour are combined. It begins by tracing Joseph Dawley's evolution from traditional to impressionistic painter, from a dark detailed style to one that is much brighter and looser. He then analyzes differences in palette and brushwork; the subdued palette of the earlier paintings gives way to high-key colour and smooth, blended brushstrokes are replaced by shimmering fields of broken colour. Many paintings from his traditional period have been replaced impressionistically to illustrate these differences. The author then shows how to use photographs to understand and interpret colour, light, and composition in order to make successful paintings.;The techniques necessary for mastering a loose, impressionistic style are explained through a variety of subjects: Parisian flower markets, Maine woods, tree-lined boulevards, and country lanes are just a few examples. The emphasis throughout, as the title suggest, is on seeing and painting colour.