Lately most of my paintings have been slow and detailed. Yesterday the urge was to simply loosen up and play with paint. Faux fruit and veggies were hastily arranged (too carelessly I'm afraid) and, giving myself a two hour time limit, I picked up the brush! The light was reflecting the red fabric onto the little pitcher in an exciting way. Guess I'm still seeing red from those roses!
Some years ago in a plein-air workshop with New England artist Charles Movalli on a stormy stay-inside day, still life arrangements were set up for ala prima studies. In a critique of my work, Master (and he is) Movalli suggested I study the work of Leon Franks ( 1914-1970 ) as my style seemed to echo his! I was astounded since I had begun oil painting on my own as a teenager copying from old "how to" books by Leon Franks published by Walter Foster! Check the original price on the one I found on e-bay to show you!
This little still life reminded me of that long forgotten workshop and the teachings of Messrs. Movalli and Franks! This was fun and I wish I had handled the lighting and arrangement more carefully. If this were a serious piece, I would use real produce, not plastic and spend a lot more time with the set-up and lighting. As it was I happily moved paint this way and that and it felt good!
"It can't look like you've worked hard and long, even if you have. A painting should be done quickly with both your intellect and your nerves. When they give out, stop." (Charles Movalli)
They gave out - I stopped! Didn't go much over my time limit! Play time...I need more of that!
Such a great read, Rosemary. I like what you've done with this one and I can sense the looseness and carefree way in which you approached this one. I find myself intrigued by the colors on the bottom half of the pitcher too. How neat that the plein aire instructor connected your style to someone from whom you taught yourself to paint by. (Did that make sense?) I'd say that says alot for both that book, its author (and your bookish mentor), and for you. Fabulous, darlin'!
ReplyDeleteHi Rosie, you have an interesting anecdote and I commend you on your attempt to paint fast. You did a good job. I am with Karin in saying there are different strokes from different folks. I like your control strokes a lot. You are a master at portraits.However, a loose painting every now and again is good. Silvia
ReplyDeleteWe all love to experiment with new ideas and like you, loosening up is always a challenge. For two hours time, you came away with a great painting with great color choices and brushstrokes! Thanks for visiting my blog recently.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great exercise in painting Rosemary! It's been a while, but I used to do two hour paintings too - I've even given them as assignments. It really forces you to loosen up and experience the thrill (that we can so often forget) and it forces us to let the paint be the paint and do what it does best (BE the paint! - I have to remember that). This is a lovely painting and thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteGreat job you did while "playing" Rosemary. And nice to meet you! Thanks for stopping by my blog and bringing me to yours. I'm pretty sure I own that Robert Foster book... or maybe my mother did. Judging from your work, I'd be well served to go find that book again. Well done and happy painting! Mitzi
ReplyDeleteI love it Rosemary and it sounds like you enjoyed yourself. I know it is a fine line between that freshness you get by painting quickly and it still looking finished. So easy to go too far and loose that feeling. Do some more of these quick paintings, so nice.
ReplyDeletethat is a very nice painting.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, I have been working on an oil that I am showing progressively that is highly detailed so this morning I felt I needed to turn loose a litle so did a 45 minute Gouache to do just that and was pretty happy with the results and the break it has given me. Now I hate to get back to that detailed piece.
Again, you did a great job on yours.
Sherry & Silvia, thanks! You two are soooo good for my ego! :-) Your support means a lot!
ReplyDeleteSilvia, you are a master at turning out little masterpieces faster than anyone I know! Sherry, I really like what you are doing with colored pencil!
Ann, So true that loosening up is always a challenge - especially for me. I really enjoy detail but know there are times when it should be omitted. I enjoy visiting your blog often!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Gary! Your comments are always most appreciated. I am back into portraits and think maybe another two-hour exercise is coming up - I need a breather!
ReplyDeleteHi Mitzi, glad you stopped by and left comments. Funny about that old book! A few years ago I taught an adult ed beginners oil painting class and was surprised how many of those old Walter Foster publications are still around. Some have been reissued. So glad I found the Leon Franks one when I was a beginner!
ReplyDeleteBarb, you set such a good example for us painting every day! Your paintings are always fresh and beautiful! I think I'm going to try another one using the same set up! Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteGary K, thanks for stopping by! I can see how a quick exercise using another medium would be a refresher! Your "Early Fall Glade" is magnificient! Thanks for showing the wip!
ReplyDeleteThis has such a nice, soft feel to it. Love all the different colors of green and the way your composition has such a variety of leafy veggies.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quote...good advice that I will try to keep in mind.