The VAA gives you a really solid foundation for learning and improving how to paint. When you’re frustrated with your work, it’s not getting accepted into exhibitions, you’re not selling and you’re just not happy with what you produce the VAA is the answer. It is explained easily with examples and exercises.
It does mean you have to look at things differently in the beginning but it is really exciting to learn a new, simpler way of painting- its all about VALUES!!!
It all seems a bit strange, making Notans, outline studies, value studies all in greys, colour maps, ie not painting a pretty picture in colour, but you must trust the experts and just do it. It’s all about being able to see the big shapes and values which takes, in my case, a long time for the brain to learn how to do. Once you see, it the lightbulb goes on and everything clicks into place.
Be patient, do the exercises, trust the process and you will get good results. I did as Barry suggested and just worked through the exercises in my sketchbook from life, I didn’t paint pictures for long time. I stayed on values studies for a very long time and found I was enjoying painting again.
It’s ok to take your time. Just keep working and try to find a routine for studying, keep at it. After a long time working like this I am now getting pictures into Art Societies in London (The Chelsea Art Society and the The Mall Galleries- RBA, NEAC and Pastel Society) selling them and even winning prizes. I’ve joined Plein Air groups in London and Surrey (which are free) met and made new friends and am part of a community of like-minded artists which is important to me and makes me happy.
Georgie Rey
https://www.artmajeur.com/georgina-rey
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