The Bottom Line
Watching this DVD is like standing next to the artist Margaret Evans as she paints. You can see what she's looking at, see what's she's putting down on her paper and how she wields her pastels, and hear her talk about why/what she's doing. The viewpoint of the camera changes throughout so you clearly see the landscape being used as the subject for the painting and the pastel painting as it develops. The sunny location in southwest France is quite a contrast to the windy day on Glencoe in Scotland, with threatening rain clouds. It shows what a versatile medium pastel is, and lets you watch an expert at work.
Pros
- Watch over the shoulder as the artist paints in locations in France and Scotland, and in her studio.
- See the results from painting in landscapes with quite different colors and light/sunshine.
- See how the artist selects and interprets bits from the landscape to include in her composition.
- Shows how you can make the best of poor weather conditions if you're determined.
Cons
- Don't see all the paintings being finished off back in the studio, though do see final versions.
- Not cheap, but unlike an art class, you can repeat it "free".
Description
- Features Scottish pastel painter Margaret Evans painting on location in France (Canal du Midi) and Scotland (Glencoe).
- Painting DVD produced by APV Films in 2009. Available in both PAL and NTSC formats.
- Distributed in USA/Canada by The Artist's Place.
- Length: 90 minutes. Watch trailer.
Guide Review - Painting DVD: "Pastel Painting" by Margaret Evans
This DVD features Scottish artist Margaret Evans working on location in southwest France and in Scotland, and then back in her studio. The colors and sunlight in the two locations make for an interesting contrast -- strong colors and sun against softer light and muted colors. (Not to mention the weather... first sunshine, then hectic wind!)
I was keen to watch the DVD as I'd seen an exhibition of Margaret Evans' pastel paintings, and thought it would be interesting to see how she created them.I wasn't disappointed; it's like watching over her shoulder as she works. But the DVD gives more than that, it also shows you how a composition is created out of all the potential in a landscape, how elements are included (or excluded), how the painting evolves and is assessed during its creation.
You watch a couple of paintings being created in each location, then you're taken into the studio where you watch one being finished and another being created from watercolor sketches. I was disappointed you don't see all the paintings being worked into their final versions, but can understand it would be difficult without having the camera crew there for some time!
This is a DVD I foresee watching again, on gloomy days when I don't have the energy to paint, slow days when I need a boost of inspiration, and just for the pleasure of seeing pastel being wielded by someone so expert with the medium. And I bet I think of it next time I drive through Glencoe heading for "the south".
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
