A three-day workshop with Evert Ploeg. How lucky are we ? It doesn’t get much better than this.
Evert is a leading Australian portrait artist and recipient of numerous awards, both national and international. Evert’s work is tonal/realism and is easily recognisable for his definite style and quality. There is a ‘now’ factor in his works, flowing well beyond the surface of the canvas.
The first day began in the normal manner: Am I in your way? Can you see? Is the jug on?
Evert uses a limited palette to lay in the tonal plan; titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre and light red. Some of us were surprised at the use of ivory black. However, we were assured by Evert, that a small amount mixed with white makes a blue. All the colours required for tonal placement are obtained from this palette.
The limited palette enables the paint to be controlled, particularly in the early stages of tonal placement. Very important, our tutor explained.
A light grey wash was used for this demonstration, and this proved to be an essential part of the preparation. Our model, Bill, was ready to begin and I must say at this point how grateful we are to Bill for his time and effort over the three days. Much of the workshop’s success is due to Bill’s stamina.
Evert went on to explain and demonstrate the importance of applying the correct tone and mixing the required tone and colour on the PALETTE, not on the work. Control the paint and keep the work fresh. Correct measurements are essential, and this is achieved by tonal balance… not as easy as it sounds.
There is a lot of grey in people we were told; more than we might think. This is where the light grey wash helps establish the values. It is not necessary to cover the whole canvas in the beginning; allow the canvas to show through and become part of the painting, scraping back and rubbing out, all part of the initial preparation. All this seemed rather daunting. However, the excellent demonstration by Evert, and his direct manner, were very refreshing. We were gently shoved, pushed and pointed in the right direction, with minimum pain.
Cadmium red, ultra marine, naples yellow, viridian and alizarin were added to the pallet in the final stages.
Evert describes this as “the icing on the cake”.
Speaking of tonal balance. It was great to see the blokes turn up. Even better were the donuts from Colleen, the delicious banana cake from Kristal and the Jamberoo chocolate cake from Bill. The man’s a legend.
As the workshop progressed, Evert informed and entertained us with tales from behind the scenes of the Archibald, the Moran and some artists of note. We were advised on a pet not to adopt … a stallion draught horse, for instance , is not a good choice. When travelling overseas, do not carry your money in a spare sock, and always be polite to hotel staff.
Evert completed his oil sketch on the third day. We were very impressed. For the rest of us, we finished a little further back in the field!
It was a pleasure to meet and be coached by Evert Ploeg. He is a very talented artist, likeable and generous. Thank you, Evert. Thank you Kiama Arts Society.
