All Friends Together

I think this works very well. The problem I have found with well known tutors us that they often are fixed in their own (very accomplished) style. I have gained more from those who teach the basics and consider the students own style.

You are right Barry as I said before you must keep your own unique way of painting but pick up on useful additional instruction. Your tonal and compositional talent shows here, a beauty. I agree with Stephen on the point of some great artists they want you to what they like to do.

Good points Stephen, I always go with an open mind and try and get and take on the information that will help my work and the last thing I want to be is a clone that slavishly copies their work. I am sure some elements will appear but I hope to retain my own style..

I like it too Barry, especially the handling of the foreground

For me its full of atmosphere - Great painting

This is lovely Barry!

Thanks Carole, your comments on one of my paintings whilst on the course were in my mind when I posted this picture.

My thanks to Kare, Chas and Jacky for your lovely comments.

Time to ignore the bloke running the course and just paint. I'd happily put this on the wall if I had space.

Thanks Alan as you may have gathered I am quite philosophical about things and will continue to do what I like with maybe the odd addition which I have picked up from them. To be fair I have learned a lot about initial washes from Herman and even if he didn't rate this painting he was a nice guy.

Yes, yes, yes (one for each boat (-:) . Excellent work Barry...Nice sky too.

Thank you Jim, I really hope you have never been on a John Yardley workshop, his expression "nice sky" means he doesn't want to comment on the rest of the painting. It's a standing joke with our Plein air group.

I love this as it is Barry! (I tried to book on Herman Pekel's course, but it was full up, not surprisingly) Your sky is a gem and the boats are great. A beauty!

To me it's a superb painting and I think you should stick to your own way. I like the colours you have used in this one.

Thank you Jennifer and Margaret for your lovely comments.

Lovely piece Barry it's all about getting a good grounding with as many artists as you can afford or feel you need study go your own way which you will you are well on the way and keep devoping your own work already at a great standard and you never know

Wise words Dennis, I wouldn't have missed the experience of watching such masters of their craft. No doubt my work will change slightly as a result but I am still the same artist.

Hmmm.. no it isn't just a 'pretty picture' He could have pointed out the good bits instead. I also learnt some tricks from Herman but paint totally differently from him. I think picking up some bits of their style and mixing it with your style works well. Tonally this is a very good strong painting Barry. You are a brilliant artist already and I'm sure many people would want to learn from you.

Thank you very much Ibolya, I do value what I have got and today's comments suggest many like what I paint and for those comment I thank you and others. You are absolutely correct about picking up bits of good artists styles helps develop your own. It's all on the road to becoming a better painter.

Superb work, with lovely atmosphere, light and movement.

Thank you Seok your comments are much appreciated.

Very nice painting Barry.You have some fantastic paintings in your gallery.

Thank you Peter I'm very glad you like this and other paintings in my gallery.