8x8 oil/panel I was able to sneak in an evening painting. Went back to where I did a scraper last night. Decided to focus on just the steeple. The sun was setting. I did this around 7 pm.
I have to say I have been quite frustrated lately. I made a decision to only paint from direct observation indoors and out. Well, it's much "easier" to turn out a serious piece in studio. I hate to say easy because there are still many years of painting involved to do a good studio piece. At any rate my goal is to produce work as strong as I can in studio on site. I think it's coming around. As far as taking a small plein air piece and building upon it in studio. I can no longer do that. I am a victim of my mind and my mind says if I do it once it's done. This proves quite difficult to complete a large piece in lowlight conditions. If I were able to return to site on multiple occasions with the same light this could be possible. The future proves inspiring.
12 comments:
Brian, the sky in this one is well done and works wonderfully with the steeple.
Maybe it's the moon...but struggle is in the air. Remember too, struggle is followed by growth...good stuff!
With your talent and discipline I trust that the future will be inspiring!
Thanks Loriann, Yeah I need to look into the moon and planet alignments. I'll blame it on something!
This one is fabulous.
I'm hard on myself (demanding) mentally like that too.
I think your paintings are especially wonderful lately. I agree with Loriann about struggle being followed by growth.
Thanks Jala, I'm sure you understand.
Thank you Janelle.
I've been struggling through and have felt pretty good about a few of the works. Hopefully you're right and growth is around the corner. It's such a strange time. Incredible weather yet painting is increasingly difficult.
I think this is a great piece. Maybe what's getting you is the "only" painting from direct observations. I know for me, living in Colorado, I can't always go outside in the winter. So, direct landscapes aren't always possibe. Why don't you change "only" to "usually"...you may have less frustration.
Think about how once you feel that you're able to produce as strong an on-site as a studio piece, how even much easier and stronger any studio pieces will become! I mean, if you can do it with all the crazy distractions that go along with being on-site, you can do anything!
Of course you will anyway, but a word of encouragement to paint right through the frustration. Who cares if you're painting/scraping/painting/scraping, etc. (I know, easier said than done!)
Yes Pam, good suggestion. Most times I actually like the adverse conditions but for now seem to want a little tighter work.
Karen,
We'll see where it goes. Usually I'm very focused and know my path. It's strange. Now it's getting nice out and I'm considering studio work. Go figure.
This is a very strong painting. The composition is solid and the colors-- luminous and evocative.
While frustration is a garment we artists often wear, we can be sure that it keeps us from emotional flatness, yes?!
Looking forward to your future work.
Thanks Melinda.
Yeah, I do think the struggles add an emotional expression. It's not intentional, however it is there. I'll check your blog more thoroughly. I believe your a homesteader? That's very cool.
Brian, This is my favorite of your recent paintings. I like the shape of the steeple and although I also like the more recent steeple painting, I think I prefer this one because it has more detail. Great clean color too.
Thanks Bill. Yeah the second one was an emotional rollercoaster to beat the fading light. Very loose.
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