Congratulations to Benjamin Kendall, whose work (specifically, one of his pool paintings) has been recognized in the monthly PleinAir Salon. Discover the inspiration, challenges, and process behind Benjamin Kendall’s painting, “Contemplating.” From capturing the nostalgia of summer to mastering the movement of water, he shares his journey, creative struggles, and the satisfaction of winning in a competitive category.
On the Pool Paintings of Benjamin Kendall
Inspiration:
The inspiration for this painting (above) was my wife, Ashley. She happens to be in most of my pool paintings. It all started in Palm Springs with her in a pool at a beautiful mid-century modern home. Her delight, coupled with the nostalgia everyone can feel when they go swimming, is the base theme in all my pool paintings, especially “Contemplating.”
Challenge:
I feel like every painting of water is challenging. No matter how many times you paint it, it manages to move or react differently. Getting the value correct in the blue while trying not to lose that warmth of the summer was difficult.
Process:
Regarding the actual process, it’s relatively simple. I use an earthy under wash over a gesso layer. (I like to create a little texture when painting on panel), then I do the base colors all together. Some people like to fully realize sections at a time but I don’t. I like to bring the whole painting up together.
Advice:
It’s hard not to get frustrated. You’ve put in a bunch of pieces and four of them make the top 100! You check how many others are in your category and there’s only three others! Now is your moment. You’re totally going to win! And then…nope. You didn’t get it. This will be common but you have to know that the judges vary and so do opinions. Also, it doesn’t mean someone DOESN’T like your work. They do in fact. Get back on the horse and either enter the same piece with a different judge or submit something new they can’t say no to. Honestly I’m really happy with making the top 100. That means you’re doing something right and moving in a good direction as an artist.
Connect with Benjamin Kendall at www.benkendall.com.
About the PleinAir® Salon:
In the spirit of the French Salon created by the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, this annual online competition, with 12 monthly cycles, leading to the Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition, is designed to stimulate artistic growth through competition. The competition rewards artists with $50,000 in all cash prizes each year, and exposure of their work, with the winning painting featured on the cover of PleinAir magazine.
Winners in each monthly competition receive cash prizes, recognition and exposure through PleinAir magazine’s print magazine, e-newsletters, websites, and social media. Winners of each competition will also be entered into the annual competition. The 15th Annual Awards will be presented live at the Plein Air Convention & Expo, where the winner will be presented with a $15,000 check!
The next round of the PleinAir Salon has begun so hurry, as this competition ends on the last day of the month. Enter your best art in the PleinAir Salon here.
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