Interview with Artist John Poon-Part 1

John Poon

Recently I had a chance to share a meal and chat with the well respected artist and teacher : John Poon.

John Poon is a master of the naturalistic landscape painting-done in the true plain air tradition. Beyond that he is the most incredible teacher of art-gifted beyond words.

I have been fortunate to study with him several times, but felt even more privileged to sit down with him and  my list of questions. Knowing that he works with the highest level of professional artists in his classes (that keep coming back to him for more) I had to ask what he felt was the number one area that students and well seasoned artists alike struggle with:

Turns out it isn’t just one thing but that we all share similar struggles in the a variety of areas.

It all boils down to things he has told me before (several times) and that many of us “know” and could possibly teach verbally to others, but often lack in our own work.  While he and I talked a long time, it comes down to the basics: Our paintings can totally rock if we use our ability to:

See Simply

Think abstractly

Have a range of 3-5 simple value shapes

Have one strong focal point

Have either light or shadow dominant in your painting.

Does this mean that you can’t have a great painting without these things? No. Of course great art is judged by the individual, and we all have our own personal tastes,-but if you are shooting for  anything on the side of “representational” or  perhaps heading towards non-representational-it certainly doesn’t hurt to think these things through.

How many times has artist Catherine Martin told me these things? I can’t even count that high.  Sounds simple right? It does, but no one said that simple was easy.

These areas that John spoke about come from his knowledge, background and belief in the classical principles of art education. Many great artists do not have the opportunity to study and/or learn such traditional groundings, and we can make it hard on ourselves as we make our own way. Now I am a big believer of breaking the rules (really, just ask my mother) , but I do see the benefit of at least KNOWING the rules that you are getting ready to tear up and break down.

So, if you are one of those folks who know the things that John Poon has mentioned, but are still struggling to implement it in your daily paintings, what to do?

Well, my first suggestion is go take a class from John (if you can get into one), but in the meantime he suggested that you  have a check list on areas of emphasis that you want to review for yourself during/after you think your painting is done. He also has a really great DVD available that I have and recommend-available on his website.

One of the books he has often referenced is Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting. http://www.amazon.com/Carlsons-Guide-Landscape-Painting-Carlson/dp/0486229270

You can see John’s work and check on his workshop schedule by going to his website: www.johnpoon.com.

In part two of my time with John Poon I will share some of his personal favorites with you (artists, play lists) and more!

Work by John Poon

Painting by John Poon

Painting by John Poon