Jamie Morgan

A back injury and then the Covid-19 shutdown led me to study with a classical realism program devoted to accurate drawing of the figure (see “Figure and Cast Drawings) which has changed the trajectory of my landscape painting. The goal of achieving a “light impression” through careful handling of values and treatment of edges has affected my painting, primarily the watercolors. An example has been my inclination to work more “into the light.” See “House on the Park,” “417 61st Street,” and “Nicasio Church.” Other lighting situations have benefitted as well. I have always felt that accuracy in drawing helped me convey the true life of my subjects. But without a better understanding of values I was at a loss to convert my instinct into painting. And the meticulous classical methods of rendering have given me a new-found appreciation of the dedication and time required.

At this point, I attempt an honest realism, aided by direct painting, and feel better served having an enlarged tool box at my disposal, not to be a better copyist but to seek dynamism and meaning as well.I can foresee greater emotional impact of my subjects conveyed with greater attention paid to hierarchy of values facilitating composition.The work continues.And I persist in seeking the “light impression.”