Friday, March 13, 2009

Market Street Bridge Nocturne

6"x12" oil/ hangable panel


Harrisburg has many bridges crossing the Susquehanna River. This is yet one more. It is underlit during the evening hours and then lights out. This view is directly across the road from the Art Association of Harrisburg. Got out of the car for this one. A dim street light illuminated my panel and a stronger battery powered light lit my palette. Basically, I didn't know what I had until I could see the painting in good light. I didnt shine the palette light on the painting because I wanted underworked spontanaity.
When I was at the art students league, one instructor had his students paint in very low light conditions doing still life. I thought he was crazy until I tried it. I found colors I never would have thought of!

7 comments:

loriann signori said...

What gorgeous sparkling color harmony! What cool explorations you are doing with these nocturnes. Keep them coming!
On another note,I have always loved the many beautiful bridges in Harrisburg. Lucky you!

Jala Pfaff said...

Very cool.
And I've always loved the word nocturne.

brian eppley said...

Loriann, its great living in walking distance to the river and the bridges. They are incredible structures but can really give me fits trying to paint them. I keep getting looser and looser with them. Someday I suspect they will become non recognizable but we shall see.

Thanks Jala, I'm on the fence with the word. Almost sounds like an ailment.

loriann signori said...

Brian,
Do you know good places to stand while painting these bridges? I have always wanted to paint up there, but the few times I have driven through I found it daunting to find a place to stop. L

brian eppley said...

Loriann, Your best bet would be to park on city island. It's free and you can walk to the east shore or even paint from the bridge you would be walking on. It is a pedestrian only bridge. Once on land there are many good areas to paint the whole way down to Shipoke. An historic part of the city. There is a walking/biking trail all along the river here and grassy areas all accessible and legal. If you need more detail let me know. I'd be happy to show you around.

loriann signori said...

Thanks so much Brian! I will be up that way sometime soon. I will let you know when and if you are available it would be great to paint together. Till later, Loriann

brian eppley said...

Yeah, it would be great to paint together. Just let me know when.