PREVIEW 5 MINUTE CLIP OF THIS VIDEO!
Azaleas and Oranges
by Robert A. Johnson
Robert Johnson Beginning
"Azaleas and Oranges"
Filmed by Liliedahl Video Productions
"...Robert imparts as much information on his palette
as on the canvas with the brushstroke." -J. Liliedahl
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Review by Johnnie Liliedahl:
I have just had the most extraordinary privilege of watching a master artist at work on a major gallery painting, from first brushstrokes to final flourish. As a painter myself, I can assure you that being able to see an artist of Robert Johnson's caliber create such an outstanding work is priceless as an instructive program. We were in the studio five days with Robert, and he was articulate and thorough in explaining his entire thought process, from the arrangement of the setup to the procedures he used in preparing his materials, to the techniques and motivations behind using each type of brush or knife in the painting process. More than that, his intellectual process was constantly revealed as he gave reasons for the aesthetic choices and decisions he made throughout the painting.
His particular mastery of the explosion of blooms in the potted azaleas was of special interest to me as a painter, and he graciously accepted my request to show all of his fans how he approached such a daunting challenge. In his book, On Becoming a Painter, examples of several large, complex compositions are included. They are full of interesting vessels, shapes, and designs. As one of his workshop attendees, I had seen him produce exquisite, smaller paintings for a three-hour demonstration, but I longed to see how he approached a major painting composed of many diverse elements. With this wish in mind, we invited Robert to film another program with us that explored this more in-depth nature of his work. (review continued below right...)
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This Painting was awarded a prize in the 2007 Oil Painters of America National Competition
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Robert Johnson
Filmed at Liliedahl Fine Art Studio
"With four cameras showing the whole painting, two
close-up views, and one
over the palette, not a stroke is missed." -J. Liliedahl
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A Later Stage in
"Azaleas and Oranges"
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Note from the Producers:
Unlike other videos in the "In the Studio With...." series, this program was not filmed in Robert Johnson personal studio, due to logistical limitations by so much video equipment. Instead, it was filmed entirely in Liliedahl Fine Art Studio, which enabled us to give the artist and the production crew sufficient area to work and provide the viewer with the best view possible. This in-depth program is the latest in our series of living master artists entltled "In the Studio With......Robert A. Johnson". Filmed over five days, it has been edited to include all the verbal content and exceptional painting process of this modern master. Edited by Johnnie Liliedahl, a professional working artist, you are assured that everything you want to see from an artist's viewpoint is included in this program.
This DVD is offered for individual Home Use Only, and is not authorized for rental by any third party. You should know that anyone offering rental of this video pays NO royalties to the artist, and as a consequence, the artist receives no income from rental sources. Any claim or advertisement to the contrary is patently untrue. Our policy is to sell only one copy per customer, to assure that the artist who has generously shared his time with the viewer may receive his highly-deserved compensation for the viewing of every instance of this important program. If you are an artist, or someone who enjoys art, please give Robert Johnson the respect and royalty he deserves as a fellow artist by purchasing his program.
Review by Johnnie Liliedahl
(continued from upper left):
As students of painting, it is virtually impossible to see a master painter at work, unless you have the enviable position of being that artist's protege. Few of us have that privilege and must be satisfied with (relatively) short demos and measured peeks into a working artist's actual processes, usually seen in a workshop setting. This video program affords the deeply inquisitive painter a unique viewpoint right over the artist's shoulder throughout the process.
With four cameras showing the whole painting, two close-up views, and one over the palette, not a stroke is missed. Obviously, a video of 6 hours does not show every single stroke made over a period of five days of filming, but the editing is sensitive to the art student's need to know precisely what to see at any given moment in the painting process.
As a master of brush-mixing colors, Robert imparts as much information on his palette as on the canvas with the brushstroke. For this reason, the palette is considered as important as the canvas surface, so you don't have to wonder how he mixes a color or where he puts it. You will see all of it as if you were standing at his elbow.
I can't recommend this video highly enough to any who are seriously interested in the pursuit of still life and floral painting. If you have his other videos, you know what a skilled craftsman Robert is with the brush. Now, learn the intellectual aesthetic that takes advantage of those skills.
This painting was recently juried into the Oil Painters of America National Competition, where we hope to release the video in concert with its public display. Visit the show in Fredericksburg TX, May 10-13, to see the painting in the Whistle Pik Gallery. There is no charge to view the entire show in the gallery.
Review by Johnnie Liliedahl,
© Copyright 2007 by Johnnie Liliedahl, All Rights Reserved.
May not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Johnnie Liliedahl
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