Peter Wileman is president of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has produced a couple of art DVDs through Town House Films. These are briskly paced demonstrations that include some essential information. Wileman's process begins with the inspiration, notes and photographs. He works out the composition in a drawing and a color sketch. He then continues to refine the initial idea pulling from these references. He adjusts on the fly down to the last stages while retaining "the buzz" or excitement of the initial inspiration.
This and other art DVDs from Town House Films are impressive in that they often contain several quick paintings. Just enough is covered with tight editing and music to keep things upbeat. The results are rather rough and at a lower level of finish yet they convey the essence of the locations. They can be inspirational when you just need to see something completed quickly.
Technical aspects are on par. Cameras capture palette, source material and canvas. Sound quality is good and these are efficiently edited using fades and music to create a smooth presentation. There are a few things worth noting. The final painting shown at the end of each segment does not look like it is the painting worked on during the demonstration. I suspect two were used, one for the demo and one for a final painting. Another is in regards to Wileman's style. He applies very little paint to the surface. These are more like scumbled color sketches than full blown paintings.
He also refers to linseed oil as "drying linseed oil" as if it is being used as a drying agent. Although linseed oil is a drying oil, using it as a medium does not speed drying time of the paint as quickly as is implied. It is considered a drying oil because it eventually dries unlike other oils that remain wet. He does not state anywhere in the packaging text or within the DVD that he has mixed up a special drying medium using the linseed oil. Perhaps it is a British reference. It could confuse and mislead some people.
To cite Chuck Close, "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." I would recommend this for everyone, except the pros. It is a deal under $40.00.
Peter Wileman: Inspirational Oil Landscapes
Running Time: 2 hours (includes 4 demonstrations)
Rating: Art
Summary: Casual inspiration in four briskly paced demonstrations.
For more information visit:
Whitewall Galleries
Town House Films (PAL)
The Artists Place (NTSC)
The Art House
Images © Town House Film
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