Watching a master…..

 

I have previously mentioned my admiration for the American watercolourist, Charles Reid.  I seem to have gradually gathered together a nice collection of his books and recently have been delighted to track down a copy of his 1973 book on portrait painting. 

Much as I love looking at these books, until very recently I had not seen any of Charles Reid’s DVDs, other than brief previews on YouTube.  However, last week I purchased a second-hand DVD, Painting Flowers in Watercolour.  The package arrived on Monday and I have been watching the DVD today.  I have so enjoyed it!  There were moments of mortification and hiding of head in hands when Charles Reid noted and demonstrated particular painting practices that he deplored - I was so glad that he had never watched me painting!  I found myself laughing aloud at some of his self-deprecating remarks and smiling at some of his boyishness when he revealed some of his mucky habits – such as wiping his brush on his trousers.  He presented as a really nice and genuine person. After watching the DVD, I felt that I could ‘have a go’ myself.  Needless to say, my attempt was not a success!  Nothing daunted, I shall try again.

I heartily recommend this DVD to anyone interested in Charles Reid’s painterly style.  I wonder if anyone has watched other DVDs by  Charles Reid and have one that they would recommend for my next buy?

(Given the doom and gloom contained in the Chancellor’s speech yesterday, I don’t think I shall be making many unnecessary purchases next year but I shall make and exception for another DVD!)

 

Now for something completely different………

It doesn't get further from Charles Reid than this, does it!  These are some little holiday doodles.  They were good fun to do and not at all taxing.