Memory Painting

I recently recorded a short demo for @isolationartschool on memory painting. Memory work regularly informs my practice but developing ones visual memory is an important skill for any aspiring naturalistic painter and I’d encourage all students to make regular memory studies. Perhaps starting with evening memory drawings of the model that was studied at length during the day before progressing on to paint and to landscape.

Developing your visual memory is important since even when painting directly from observation you’re still using your memory – models move and the colour and intensity of light changes. This is particularly the case in landscape painting where shadows move and light effects can be fleeting. Memory work helps you focus on the information that made an impression on you rather than niggling with detail.

Here are some examples of recent small memory studies of the local Lewes landscape from evening walks taken during lockdown.