One of the problems with trying something new and different is that you never know how it’s going to turn out-also the fun. I tried a ghost wash for the Graceland painting. I’ve tried it several times before and never liked the result. Same. But there are some things I do like about it. Maybe in a couple years I’ll try it again. I’m not sure about more definitive detail of the foliage on the right side
Here is a reference sketch in graphite of a beach scene from my home town at Pete Marquette Park at sunset.
I did a 7 X 14 version of it on 140# coldpress. It’s easy to paint clouds unless you are trying to paint specific ones. Got some work to do on this but I don’t think I’ll ever get the dark clouds right. And I don’t know how to get the sun brighter because it was blinding in person. And I got to do something about that tree on the left front. Although I’m not really happy with this, I learned a lot from it. If I had not put in those trees first, it would be easier to work the clouds because I did learn some techniques that I could use in successive paintings. Stay tuned.
You're right--either you end up with a good painting or a valuable lesson! I like the reflections in the Graceland painting--that's where the ghost wash technique shines (if I'm interpreting it right). I'm not sure about having one half being defined while the other is vague, though. Maybe definition around the building and fading out like a vignette? Sunset beach scenes are a challenge, for sure--getting the color and light without looking fake. I really like the way the dark clouds have color halos that reflect the color at left. I prefer the tree positioned further left like in the sketch. It seems to frame things better.
ReplyDeleteSee https://www.christopherstephenart.com/
Deleteto see what I was trying to do.
The beach scene is a very cool painting, as is the sketch. I love all the organic shapes against that little lonely bench. Reminds me of Charles Burchfield. Stop analyzing so much and just paint.
ReplyDeleteI did just paint, didn’t like it, and am trying to figure out why. But thanks for your kind words. They make me want to make it better.
DeleteI was thinking of complaining about the emptiness in the foreground, but Sarah has enlightened me about how it frames the lonely bench. kind of reminds me of Saunders Ferry Lane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgBLzibTZZQ
ReplyDeleteYeah, I don't think more detailed foliage along one side would be helpful. A vignette approach as Elaine suggested might be a way to go. Either focused in the center to vague all around or the reverse of that. The sketch is very cool and so is the painting. The sky especially. Maybe bringing some more of the darkened clouds on through to the left of the tree to help balance it out more.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but the storm clouds are coming in from the north. They’re not already there.
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