Who is Edgar A Whitney

I'm Proud to call myself: "third generation Edgar Whitney". Years ago, I was permanently changed by his book, "Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting". It provided many insights into my craft and the principles of design. His writings continue to inspire and direct me. I am also grateful to have studied under some of his star pupils including; Tony Couch, Joan Rudman, Tony Van Hasselt, Mel Stabin and Frank Webb. All these people carry on with Ed's Creed in their own way, as I do in mine. Today, over twenty years after his death, Whitney's spirit, enlightenment and craft are still gaining momentum and flourishing in the hearts, minds and work of in his many disciples.

"Once students had passed through his hands, they were never the same again, and seemed to become completely indoctrinated with his ideas and convictions."
~ Ron Ranson

See a week of Edgar Whitney quotes starting June 8, 2008 on my
Inspiration for Your Day Blog.

Edgar A. Whitney spent twenty-five years in commercial art before devoting himself full time to painting and teaching. He taught at Pratt Institute in NYC and lectured at New York University. Twenty years after his death, his book,
"Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting"
continues to be one of the foremost and extensive manuals on philosophy, design, and watercolor technique. In his golden years, Ed demonstrated and taught workshops from Maine to Florida, producing many extraordinary modern day watercolor masters while establishing himself as
a legend in the Art World Hall of Fame.

Quotes On Ed Whitney:

"I wish Edgar Whitney was around today. He was so much more than
a teacher of watercolor technique." ~ Monte Guynes

"His critiques were always good theater. He would use any device,
a gesture, description or word to drive home a point." ~ Frank Webb

"On finishing a workshop, Ed would conclude by ending on a philosophical
note. Remember you're the elite who have chosen to spend your time and
money on esthetics he'd say. Others can cheat you, a craft cannot. It's the
only area in life where you get back what you put in." ~ Joan Rudman

Since 1996, Sandy Sandy has been a professional fine artist and has devoted her
career to painting full time. After a divorce, she left behind a thriving advertising, illustration and sign company which she owned and operated for seventeen years. Sandy currently works in her spacious art studio from her NJ Pine Barrens home. Here she is inspired by the wildlife that visits her yard daily. A strong connection with animals and nature is evident in her choice of subjects. Her philosophy of spirit is woven into her work, where thousands of watercolors have given way to her flowing expressionist style.

Collectors of Sandy's original paintings can be found throughout Canada and the US. Commissions are always welcomed to create specific works for individuals and organizations such as The NJ Symphony Orchestra. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration from Moore College of Art and Design and attended The Art Institute in Philadelphia. Having studied watercolor with many nationally known watercolor masters including those from the E.A.Whitney, Brandywine and New Hope Schools has given her roots that are strong in the American Art Tradition. Sandy currently provides uplifting, motivational and instructional content in her various free online communities. She also is available for speaking engagements, demonstrations, workshops and classes.

Frank Webb has been a professional artist since 1948 and has won over 90 major awards. His unique approach to watercolor technique, philosophy and design make him one of the foremost contemporary watercolor painters and instructors worldwide. He has half a dozen instructional videos and several books available for purchase. Frank lives in Pittsburgh, PA, and regularly conducts workshops in numerous locations throughout the US and abroad.

I have taken two workshops with Edgar Whitney student, Tony Couch and own some of his videos and books. He is the most methodical instructor I have ever taken lessons from. Not only an extremely accomplished painter, he has the skill and personality to convey his methods in a very basic understandable way. Information about his workshops, books and videos can be seen on his website. I strongly reccomend his book, "Watercolor, You Can Do It".

From my online workshop review - Day 2
"On Tuesday, Tony chose a dry docked fishing boat that was being refurbished at a local boatyard for our subject.".....See My Workshop Review of Tony Van Hasselt's
August 2000 Maine Watercolor Workshop

Tony van Hasselt's Website

Below is a photo I took at a plein air workshop conducted by Mel Stabin out in Andrew Wyeth country, Brandywine, Pennsylvania.

The Above Photo Shows Ed Whitney Dicussing the Three Bears
(Momma, Poppa, Baby Formula), Kennebunkport, Maine - 1979

Photo by Shirley Landgraf, Charlotte, N.C, from
The Edgar Whitney Watercolor Site.

The Momma Poppa Baby Formula
My paintings usually go by the formula of "Momma, Poppa, Baby". This rule, which was originated by Edgar A. Whitney, almost always applies, especially with my florals.

Here's a recent painting to illustrate. Can you see the "Momma, Poppa, Baby" elements? Sometimes there are several of each in my florals.

From My Spirit Art Blog ~ June 16th, 2008 ~
====<<>>====

* SHAPE - Anything with height and width
* Curved
* Angular
* Rectangular

* SIZE - The relationship of objects to each other
* Small
* Medium
* Large

* LINE - There are two types
* Curved
* Angular

* DIRECTION - The overall dominant direction can be
* Horizontal
* Vertical
* Oblique

* TEXTURE - Three basic textures
* Soft
* Hard
* Rough

* COLOR - Warm or cool, one should dominate

* VALUE - The lightness or darkness of a color
* Light
* Medium
* Dark

This is what we can do with the SEVEN ELEMENTS, listed above.

* UNITY - The painting must be consistent throughout. Each part must look like it belongs to the rest.

* CONFLICT - (or Contrast) Must be present in all of the elements.

* DOMINANCE - The most important principle because without it, there will be too much variation and no unity of the elements. In each of the listed elements, one should dominate in a painting.

* REPETITION - elements should repeat

* ALTERNATION - Repition with variation

* GRADATION - Gradual change from one element to another

* HARMONY - Similar elements

* BALANCE - Most noticeable with shapes and should generally be informal (asymmetrical) vs. formal (symmetrical)

CHECK BACK OFTEN!
I'LL BE ADDING MORE INFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS SOON!

I Met Artist, Mentor and Friend, Monte Guynes
Because of Edgar Whitney

No matter what medium or technique you use to depict your subject, always try to use a full range of values. Value is the lightness or darkness of a color. You can simplify value by thinking light, medium and dark. A good drawing should have all three.

A tool I use frequently in drawing and painting is a value scale. See photos of the ones I use on my Sketching Everyday lens.

This is an example of the value pattern I use most frequently. It is a large light, small dark, in an overall mid value.

* 1) Large dark shape in an overall mid value.

* 2) Large dark shape with a small light in an overall mid value.

* 3) Large light shape in an overall mid value.

* 4) Large light shape with a small dark in an overall mid value.

*All images and text on this lens are by

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