This program opens in David Dunlop's Connecticut studio. He gives a brief but informative history of landscape
painting throughout the ages and a discussion of the structure of specific paintings by a pantheon of landscape
artist greats. (10 minutes)
David then takes us to visit a lake in the Connecticut countryside to paint a plein air painting (Figure 1 above). He discusses his thoughts when choosing a scene for a painting, and outlines his steps for designing the painting. As David says: "Your painting is a poem, not a police report." He discusses the structure and design of the painting and demonstrates a drawing of his design (Figure 2 above). David then paints his plein air painting of the scene, demonstrating many painting techniques for shaping, toning and creating texture in a painting. He specifically focuses on an Old Master technique of reductive painting, which permits the painter to retain great luminosity and a wide variety of brushstrokes to create a more interesting painting. He completes this painting within an hour (Figure 3 above).
We then return to David's studio to watch his demonstration of techniques used to finish the painting in the studio. Throughout the program David continues a running commentary of his thoughts, techniques, and theories in a highly informative, inspiring and entertaining manner. (approx.45 minutes)
