A Brush with Mastery: The David Larned “Pumpkin” Study

I had always harboured a desire to master the art of still life painting. To encapsulate someone in a realistic manner, as opposed to my usual style characterised by bright, bold, and large-scale works. This aspiration seemed just beyond my grasp and abilities.

Becoming a member of the Leask House Gallery and engaging in weekly painting sessions infused me with the courage and inspiration needed to embark on this new venture. Surrounded by an ensemble of incredible artists and engaging in discussions about styles, paint choices, and the precise combination of hues to achieve the ideal shade of green - these experiences were transformative. It was after our North East Open Studios (NEOS) exhibition in the autumn of 2023 that we, as a collective, decided to embrace a novel challenge: to study and emulate a master painter, to delve into a style that was a stark departure from our norm.

Our quest for inspiration and artistic exemplars lasted a week. I turned to Pinterest, scouring for still life, fruit, ramekins... anything that would pique my interest. With Samhain approaching, I was keen on maintaining a spooky ambience. That's when I stumbled upon an enchanting piece by David Larned - a delicate study named "Pumpkin." It depicted a lone white pumpkin, serenely resting on what appeared to be a wooden table or chest, poised to be either carved or simply admired.

The subject was an impeccable match, yet the style was daunting. The thought of doing justice to this master painter's work was intimidating. However, drawing from the collective wisdom and support of the art group, I commenced with modest steps. I gridded my canvas, meticulously sketched in the pumpkin, and even allowed my dogs to scrutinise it for any flaws. Then, I embarked on the gradual and enlightening journey of learning to paint slowly, carefully emulating the masterful strokes of David Larned.

The thing I learnt most from this was to not be afraid of the dark. Don't be afraid of going darker than you expect because it will make all the difference. I also learned more about disappearing edges, when the subject's edge becomes blurry and fades into the background. This is a skill I now love employing in all my paintings. I learned about the power of shadows and considering where the light is coming from. I delved into the nuances of detail painting versus leaving things up to the viewer's imagination. I experimented with adding colours that one wouldn't typically anticipate being there, yet somehow, they bring the whole painting together.

This painting quite literally changed my style and abilities. It presented a challenge, and in its wake, I now perceive my work as 'Pre Pumpkin' and 'Post Pumpkin'. It's a piece that now hangs proudly in my living room, serving as a testament to the notion that I'm capable of more than I expect. It stands as a beautiful reminder of the value in taking the slow road when painting. The rush to complete a piece has dissolved; I've learned the merit of patience and the profound impact it can have on the end result. I'm more attuned to the journey of each brushstroke, the story that each layer tells, and the intricate dance of light and shadow.

This journey with David Larned's style has not only transformed the way I approach my canvases but also how I perceive art and its possibilities. It's taught me that sometimes, to truly evolve, we must step outside our comfort zones and embrace techniques and styles that may initially intimidate us. It's in these moments of vulnerability and exploration that we find our true potential and unearth skills we never knew we possessed.

I'm excited for future projects, armed with these new insights and an invigorated passion for painting. I look forward to exploring further depths of colour, embracing the dark, and continuing to surprise myself with each new piece. As I continue on this artistic journey, I'm reminded that every master was once a beginner, and every masterpiece begins with the courage to try something new.