Within the art DVD market as a whole, color mixing and general palette activity have been inadequately covered and vague. Typically the colors and brands of paint are described yet once the painting gets underway you are left to wonder about the process. The assessments and decisions involved in mixtures are not articulated. Most colors can be closely approximated using a variety of palettes so the little information typically presented is not helpful. Greene’s color method, in particular, is the only presentation on DVD of an organized palette using premixed value strings that I know of.
This review covers the DVDs Bernard, Erin and Color The Daniel E. Greene Method. The color method DVD is strictly a lecture presentation. To aid in getting points across Greene refers to art done by worthy painters, uses graphics and mixes color on his palette. While he covers premixing and arranging his palette in the Bernard DVD, the Erin DVD focuses on the portrait. With Erin Greene recommends viewing the color method video and only briefly describes preparation of the palette. In both of the portrait presentations Greene narrates his actions and shares his mental process as he works. Because Greene adheres to this approach with every painting, he touches upon many concepts covered thoroughly in his color method DVD.
It is recommended that people view (study and apply) Color The Daniel E. Greene Method in addition to any of the demonstration DVDs. If you are hesitant to invest in more than one before seeing for yourself whether it is worth it I suggest you test the water and begin with the Bernard DVD. In Bernard Greene covers enough of his palette preparation and ideas on color and form to prove his worthiness as a competent artist and teacher utilizing the DVD format. Bernard is shorter in duration when compared to Erin yet nothing is left out. The color method DVD conveys Greene’s approach in a clear, organized and in-depth manner while Erin takes more time with the execution of the portrait and the model/subject has decidedly more detail to cover. All of these are loaded with precise and practical information.These art DVDs predate the majority currently on the market yet they sensibly utilize technology and continue to hold their own. Split screens, camera positioning, superimposed graphics and captions are orchestrated to create a thorough presentation of activity taking place. Greene has taught the information in his classes and workshops for years. He is a former instructor of painting at the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League of New York. The experience shows in his organization of the material and his thoughtful presentation. The studio is lit for the painting at hand and does not appear to have been altered for the cameras. Bernard utilizes lighting similar to that of Rembrandt. If you are accustomed to seeing brightly lit demonstrations common in art DVD productions and many workshops Greene's DVDs are representative of a traditional art studio environment. The canvas, palette and model are appropriately lit though Greene may move in and out of shadow while working and speaking directly to the camera.
Rating: Art (all)
Summary: Simply stated, if you are looking for solid instruction by a competent teacher and accomplished artist you cannot go wrong investing in Daniel E. Greene’s art DVDs. Bernard and Erin are well-organized demonstrations of Greene's approach to the portrait while Color The Daniel E. Greene Method does not waste a word presenting his observations and concepts of color and depicting form.
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