Social Night with Don Burrow, The Colour of Light

Social Night Friday August 26th 7.30pm with Don Burrow
The Colour of Light

This was a marvellous evening, Don set some amazing lighting with his huge LED light, illuminating the subject, still life of Pears and his palette. As he painted he shared his knowledge of how colours are effected by light and the colours of pigments close by. He had put much effort and time in the preparation of his insightful demonstration and shared many of the “secrets” he has learnt on his journey through his art.

Don says, colour is very important in painting and in art that communicates. Such art uses light and dark tones, edges, shapes, texture, line and almost all of these are more critical than colour. However, somehow colour remains uniquely attractive, like the icing on the cake. When used effectively it seems so simple, beautiful and uncontrived. Naturally I want to use it effectively, but like all of the other elements of painting it has its rules that need to be learnt.  

Painting with Rose Frantzen, I learnt how nuanced and powerful colour could become. She made her under paintings in transparent slightly muted colour and proceeded to make at least 3 passes over every area in a portrait and the little flecks of added colour and tone kept ramping the interest of the painting every time. She introduced me to LED colour variable studio lights and I found mine changed both how I saw the painting and the subject.”
American painter from Iowa

In the image below, Don illustrates the results of painting using two different lighting settings on the still life image in the centre.
For our Social Night, Don will paint a still life in oils to elaborate on this intriguing subject.
It should be a most illuminating evening!!

Download the pdf poster