Tropical Stream WIP12 x 9 soft pastels on Art Spectrum Colourfix
Miki Willa
I know I have shown you my portable studio before, but I just really like it so I decided to show this WIP on the easel. I have a closer photo of the painting below. I have a painting hanging in one bedroom that keeps reminding me of how I want my paintings to look. I looked at it over the weekend so I had it fresh in my mind this morning. This painting is very different, but I used many of the same techniques in stroke and approach. I was also very happy to be working with my own palette on this one. The rocks are going to be so much better.
I was hoping to finish this one this morning, but ran out of time.
I started out thinking that the palm leaves would be the focal area, but realized I wanted the area where the branch comes out into the stream to stand out more. I think the branch really makes a statement. It is forked on the bank with one side staying in the shadow and the other coming out into the middle of the stream. I need to work both sides of the branch to make that stronger. I did this on a strange brownish ground that Art Spectrum creates. I don't really like the color, but it makes a fantastic ground for these tropical paintings.
I was hoping to finish this one this morning, but ran out of time.
I started out thinking that the palm leaves would be the focal area, but realized I wanted the area where the branch comes out into the stream to stand out more. I think the branch really makes a statement. It is forked on the bank with one side staying in the shadow and the other coming out into the middle of the stream. I need to work both sides of the branch to make that stronger. I did this on a strange brownish ground that Art Spectrum creates. I don't really like the color, but it makes a fantastic ground for these tropical paintings. I have decided to join in Katherine Tyrrell's study of Japanese art from the period that influenced the art world in the mid-1800's in Europe. Look for posts from time to time. I grew up surrounded by this art, Japanese wood bock prints and paintings on silk. It will be fun to really study the masters and share what I learn.
1 comment:
Miki - just catching up on your back posts; and fascinating to see your portable studio. These are lovely works. I thought your clouds were very effective; is the trick to make them convincingly fit the laws of spatial perspective and recession?
Your thoughts on plein aire were new to me and helpful - it must help to absorb some of the atmosphere. Thanks for your comments on mine - I have been doing some very fast outdoor sketches when I've had the opportunity to 'prime the pump'.
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