Sunday, October 17, 2010

corrections

This was one of those paintings that changed from good (my initial paint wash was clean with a strong composition) to bad to worse, then I decided to collage leaves into it, and I tried to "save" it. I also realized the lighting was way off last night when I took photos and the colors here are now true to the actual painting.

"Crimson Wind", 30" x 23" watercolor collage


It is time for me to move to my next project, my encaustic paints are calling to me. Last weekend when I was exhibiting I met a patron/artist who told me she was painting with beeswax and watercolor paints. She starts with wax medium then paints with the watercolors, then another layer of medium, then some sculpting into the layers of wax... I am curious.

10 comments:

  1. Hi Robin. This is a very strong painting but I feel that I'm looking down at a caged or trapped animal or rag doll. Makes me feel sad--and that's sometimes a good thing. A change of title might make your viewers weep.

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  2. Hi Hallie, I am open to title suggestions... and curious what you think would work.

    I feel more like I am looking up to the heavens from deep in the woods surrounded by very tall trees... a cage formed by birch tree trunks I suppose (rather than looking down).

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  3. I think the collage was a nice touch in taking this piece to a grand finish. When I first saw the thumbnail I pictured looking up through the trees, but when I looked at it full I felt like I was looking down at water reflecting the trees and moon with leaves floating across the surface. Very surreal - and somehow a touch melancholy.

    -Don

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  4. I love Don's interpretation. I think I saw bamboo instead of trees and thought of the cages used for POW's during the Vietnam era. Reflection and floating leaves--calming and beautiful.

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  5. you both have romanticized my "mistake" painting to a new level! I hate to ruin these wonderful images you both have given me by trying to come up with a new title for this piece, but what do you think of "Floating Melancholy"

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  6. I feel proud that you would take our interpretations of your painting into consideration when titling it, but I would hate to encroach upon your artistic intent.

    With that said - and since you asked - I do like your idea for the new title.

    -Don

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  7. Me, too. I hate to say it but Don knows a lot more than I do.

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  8. Robin,
    I think you made what you considered a "bad" painting successful. I love the perspective of looking up through the tree branches, at the end of autumn, into the full moon.
    It's a beautiful image.
    My reaction to it isn't one of melancholy, but is more one of unease. What will happen next out here in the woods all alone? Or am I?
    Even though I'm not a Halloween fan- it could be a Halloween holiday image- and a sophisticated one at that. In my not so humble opinion, of course! And you know, a million opinions don't amount to much more than a hill of beans.

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  9. I need to sit and ponder this title dilemma, I appreciate all your input.

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