The companion apple to Lone Apple 1 . . . which, I guess
keeps them from being "lone." Digging them out this past week
and framing them made me stop and consider how I best like
to work. Both were done with an underpainting that wasn't just
a value study . . . one-color value first, then dark areas of color
and the complement of whatever the final background was going
to be. I let that first layer dry before tackling the finish of the painting.
There's a dried chromium oxide green layer under those red strokes
in the background. I could not have painted a red over chromium oxide
green and have it retain its red-integrity and have it recede.
I've also loved learning the immediacy of alla prima.
So I'll work both ways. As a former printmaker, I relied on surprise:
working in a mirror image, not knowing how it would translate backwards
on paper, how a quantity of ink would squish and what I might do with it next.
I had given up on oils years ago because of the predictability of what
my hand would do in front of my eyes in any given moment. The process
excited me more than having me be the author. Carol Marine quoted an
Irish artist in a recent commentary where she said, "instead of asking how
do I do that?, ask what will happen if I try this?" In retrospect, I must have
wanted to give up control. Tonight, I'm thinking that kind of limbo is close
to who I am.
5 comments:
I've been thinking about these things too, and you have interesting ideas. I like the background with the green here. Vibrant paintings, with depth.
Framing them is a commitment from you that you like them! That's great, as I think this is beautiful.
Very interesting process...glad you shared how you painted this.
I agree with you that I love alla prima, but I am not always able to achieve what I'd like in one application. So I do both. I've never tried what you described, though...using the complimentary color beneath another color. Another thing I'd like to try!
Stunning, stunning, stunning! Not just this, all your work.
I must say I like the way the green underpainting grays down the red background in areas. I have painted layers with complimentary color in the past. Hmmmmm, maybe I should give it another try.
PS Love your blog.
Hey! Thanks so much to all of you for your comments. I can't convey how much I appreciate that anyone takes time to look and comment. Virginia---you are my glue! I have discovered so many artists whose work I love through your site! You knit so many artists together!
Your apples are beautiful. You must show a framed pictures. Frames really just finish them off, give them a tailored look. Your work is beautiful, love your colors and the richness of you paintings. Your post really touched me as well. I completely understand the need to try to "let go of control". Not an easy thing to do, but then when I think I am in control I am reminded that the big man upstairs has the master plan:) Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and I look forward to visiting your wonderful blog often:)
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