Taking a break from this today and contemplating the next session. Already the painting is off in a direction that I had not wanted it to go in, which is more intense colour than I expected. I had an idea of keeping it pretty high key and very subtle, low value colour, but it got away from me. I can bring it back no doubt but now I have to decide if I want to do that. This always happens and I keep promising myself that someday I will do the same painting in more than one version so that I can really explore the various possibilities I envision. Decisions always have to be made and once made remove other "might have been" results. Monet liked painting the same scene in varying light situations and the results were quite intriguing, although I have to say that haystacks and old cathedrals don't really hold my attention, (I hope I won't be struck down by the Art God for my blasphemy!). Anyway, I do want this painting to have a subtle overall look from the slight hue changes in the fabrics, both wrapped around the figure and in the backdrop. One side is warm, the other cool. It is too easy to get caught up in small areas and forget to keep the entire image in mind as I work.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Off in its own direction already
Taking a break from this today and contemplating the next session. Already the painting is off in a direction that I had not wanted it to go in, which is more intense colour than I expected. I had an idea of keeping it pretty high key and very subtle, low value colour, but it got away from me. I can bring it back no doubt but now I have to decide if I want to do that. This always happens and I keep promising myself that someday I will do the same painting in more than one version so that I can really explore the various possibilities I envision. Decisions always have to be made and once made remove other "might have been" results. Monet liked painting the same scene in varying light situations and the results were quite intriguing, although I have to say that haystacks and old cathedrals don't really hold my attention, (I hope I won't be struck down by the Art God for my blasphemy!). Anyway, I do want this painting to have a subtle overall look from the slight hue changes in the fabrics, both wrapped around the figure and in the backdrop. One side is warm, the other cool. It is too easy to get caught up in small areas and forget to keep the entire image in mind as I work.
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Fabulous work Karen! A very soft and subtle look and the colors compliment each other beautifully!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful blue - makes her skin tones sing! Don't take it down....
ReplyDeleteThank you for your input! When I expressed a fear that the colours were coming out too "sweet" another artist friend of mine said, "the colours do not appear sweet but meditative." I feel I can proceed now in the direction this painting wants to go and just have some fun!
ReplyDeleteKaren, this is coming along so beautifully! I share the same experience, wanting the end product to be subtle, barely there and it always gets away from me. My husband suggested I pull back the color in the reference photo and instead of trying to keep the tone subtle myself, I'll be able to match the colors of the printout. I'm trying that with my next two portrait heads, I'll let you know how it works. Still, even with the colors beginning to get stronger, this is an amazing painting. I'm tempted to say just let it have its way with you and see what happens, but I know how that makes me feel when I'm done. Although, I cannot see how this can end up anything but stunning.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your supportive comments on ribbons, I'm going to look through and visit your work on the same. You are so gifted.
Enjoy the holiday weekend!
Thanks Susanne! The thing is, my photo reference IS subtle! I just seem to look at a colour and run with it to its more extreme end...a bit, anyway. I almost never match my colours to the reference - it seems to just be a point for departure and I suppose this is really a good thing since it seems to be reflecting who I am rather than just being a copy of a mechanical process.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis fabulous work with us
Good creations