C.W. Mundy: Painting a Still Life

Charles Warren Mundy, or C.W. Mundy, is one of several fine artists with a previous career in illustration. His work ranges from impressionistic to realistic while maintaining a level of visual poetry and attention to atmosphere. He covers a wide range of subjects. Upon seeing the variety in his work, visitors to the C.W. Mundy Fine Art Gallery have mistaken it as being that produced by several artists.

Produced by Sara-Britt Arts this DVD focuses on the still life although much of Mundy’s advice applies to painting in general. Mundy rejects the conventions of the genre and often takes aim at a pocket or cluster of overlapping forms. Objects break off the edge of the canvas. A Mundy composition includes intimate fixations on shiny and reflective surfaces, juxtaposition of color, form, texture, light and shadow..........all with a heightened presence of atmosphere.

The veteran artist describes himself as “opinionated” and he fills 130 minutes with insights into the process of painting. Many art DVDs tend to present an idiosyncratic approach to creating art and this is no exception. However, Mundy emphasizes a structure that builds upon and holds true to a solid foundation. He stresses the importance of preparation and resolving problems in order to advance. He repeats throughout the DVD how his principles are based on facts and science. While he paints with an individual style he offers advice that can be applied to anyone interested in creating successful paintings.

This DVD is a live lecture/demo presentation captured on film. Mundy begins by prefacing his demonstration with an outline of his technique. He continues to share ideas as he works. Mundy is very laid-back. This is not a presentation filmed exclusively for an art DVD. The cameras captured Mundy's segment of an event featuring multiple artists. With that in mind this DVD is an interesting glimpse at an astounding artist as he shares his knowledge and opinions on painting.

Initially, Mundy is seen addressing an audience (off camera) while he casually sits in a chair. Once the demonstration begins there are cameras devoted to the canvas, the palette and the still life reference. The reference objects are periodically shown in a small caption. There are two cameras capturing the canvas, one taking in a wider angle to include Mundy and another for close ups of the painting. Important areas are sufficiently illuminated with light.

Audio is adequate with one exception. Audience members freely ask questions as Mundy paints. The questions are inaudible for the most part and there are not any text graphics edited in. You must rely on Mundy’s response to figure out a question. Fortunately his answers are self-contained. I did not have any trouble following along.

It is also worth mentioning that Mundy uses alkyd paints and not oils. His technique and style of painting would be similar with more precautions if using oils. He chooses alkyds for their quicker drying character and for a smaller number of dire consequences that can result if mishandled. His style varies and his paint can be heavy with impasto.

All in all, I relished the opportunity to observe C.W. Mundy painting. He offers sound advice particularly with regards to composition. I enjoyed his personality as he shared his experiences.

C.W. Mundy: Painting a Still Life
Running Time: 132 minutes
Rating: Art
Summary: A laid-back demo supplemented with knowledgeable advice from a seasoned illustrator turned fine artist.
 

For more information visit:

The Official Website of C.W. Mundy

C.W. Mundy's Plein Air Blog

Jan. 2011 Review of 2^nd Still Life DVD

Sara-Britt Arts

Gallery 1261

Anne Irwin Fine Art

Images © C.W. Mundy and Sara-Britt Arts

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Peter Wileman: Inspirational Oil Landscapes

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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