Sunday, March 8, 2009

railroad bridge

11"x14" oil/panel


I did this painting yesterday. It's just across the river from my house. I stayed close by since I had a commitment to oblige during the afternoon hours. A gray day so I picked an object with strength and shape and the reflective properties of water work well cloudy or not. I just found out I was accepted into the 2009 Carmel Art Festival Plein air competition in May and the Montauk fine art festival also in May. With this exciting news propelling me to get out and paint I didn't feel the pain near as much as I normally would have when I crossed the railroad tracks,easel and paintbox in tow, slid-tumbled-fell down the steep incline and ended up at waters edge. Note the dirt in the paint. It was just as eventful getting back up the hill with a wet painting! The red seen in the painting is in fact permanent rose. The red not seen on the rear of the panel is in fact blood.

6 comments:

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Brian, Ouch! That must have hurt. On a side note, did you know that Monet almost lost his life while painting near the sea? His painting blew off the easel and he tried to save it. Guess that goes to show that painting can be hazardous. Love the painting. You must be a true artist!

Jala Pfaff said...

Congratulations!

And you cracked me up with this description. It's very Bill Jones-like.

Great painting.

brian eppley said...

Thanks Janelle. I did not know that about Monet. Art takes us in many directions and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Jala thanks, Who is this Bill Jones character. Writer, painter? This is a true story by the way.

Kathleen Harrington said...

In years to come your DNA on the canvas will prove without doubt the provenance of this little gem.

Karen said...

Congratulations on your wonderful acceptances! You'll have to report back on your experiences...have you done these kind of festivals before?

The hazards of plein air! They were worth it here.

brian eppley said...

Kathleen,
The dna is definitely there, I just hope they can't get me for trespassing!

Karen,
I was in Paint Annapolis last year and did quick paints in Easton. These are plein air competitions that draw a very art savvy crowd. The Carmel competition is just such an event. The Montauk show is setting up a tent and trying to move some paintings. This will be my first show of that type. I realised in Annapolis the importance of showing to a demographic that appreciates fine art. So now I travel!