Focus on light direction.

Betty Carr wrote the book on painting with light—literally. It’s called Seeing the Light: An Artist’s Guide, one among many of this painter’s achievements. In this 2-hour demonstration video, Carr shows aspiring artists how they too can capture the glories of light in a still life. Working from a full-color sketch, she paints a bright cluster of cosmos backlit by strong sunlight from a nearby window. The results are luminous!
Gifted artists are not always gifted teachers, but Carr excels in explaining the principles of painting that work for her. She puts a strong emphasis on values and shapes.
Carr also recommends that an artist give herself or himself a time restriction—for example a two-hour limitation to complete a 16- x 20-inch floral. Doing so minimizes the chances of overworking the painting, and forces the painter to focus on what really matters. For those who aren’t sure what really matters, this artist-teacher takes pains to cover those basics. You are watching this artist’s spontaneous work emerge from its toned-canvas beginnings to an excellent demonstration using advanced painting techniques.

If you don’t see it when you squint, don’t put it in.

Betty gives a thorough explanation of materials, including her palette—brand names and pigments. She also discusses her brush choices, why she does not use painting medium and helpful tips for the traveling painter. Included is a discussion of color choices and how they can be divided into hue, intensity of temperature and value, and how observing these three-way properties leads to glowing paintings. She demonstrates how to keep shadows lively and lit areas at their most brilliant. Using smaller brushwork: how to use crisp and soft edges; plus those calligraphic touches that make a painting sing.

Paintings that glow!

She covers all stages of painting from the blocking-in to the form sculpting, and finally, refinement. An over-the-shoulder view of color mixing is included throughout the process.