Last week we had several feet of snow fall and I was inspired by all of the beautiful trees covered in ice and winter white. A few days later when I was walking past the same spot I realized many of the tree branches are now broken because of the weight of the ice and snow. The beauty was gone, the moment in time I had captured in photography would never be the same. I felt the need to paint the same spot again, this time larger and with more focus on the black and white contrasts.
"Winter Wonderland", 11" x 14" encaustic painting
It is always a challenge photographing encaustic paintings. In order to avoid getting a glare the light source has to be natural. I thought the above image captured the 3-dimensionality of the work but the colors were yellowed by my ceiling lights. The below image is truer color but does not reflect the depth of the painting. Which image do you prefer?
Definitely, the top image shows more depth; both are wonderful. Is there a fool-proof way of photgraphing encaustics? With paintings, I pick a bright day, put them on the shaded deck, and set the timer. For sculpture I needed a gray background, a floodlight, and timer (b&w photos). I guess each medium has its special requirements.
ReplyDeleteHi Robin, Both images are fascinating. I like the top one for it's depth and mood, but it doesn't necessarily say "winter" to me. The bottom one feels more like winter. And, I like the warm ground contrasting the cool trees and branches. Hmm, which one looks closer to you?
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to the fallen branches. I say that in all seriousness. Great job.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I feel the depth is better captured in the top image. I like that the light cast shadows from the more dimensional branches. But, what I like about the bottom one is the fact that I can see and understand the shading you created with the medium. What you have going on in the foreground has me mesmerized...
-Don
While drawn to the cooler tones in the bottom photo, I have to say that the yellowed image is the one drawing me in. That texture in the snow covered soil is so exquisite!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, everyone. I am going to try photographing again today, there will be more natural light outdoors. Usually I take photos with my "idiot proof" digital camera and sometimes it requires a few attempts before I get it right. I really wanted to share the depth and dimensional qualities, but color was compromised.
ReplyDeleteHmm... both! The bottom looks nicer, but conveys no depth. That's always hard to convey on the screen anyway... I'm sure Don will agree! Perhaps you could show two photos, one flat and one deliberately at an angle to show the relief?
ReplyDeleteI like the top one, best. Lots of depth and interest. What a lovely scene! I've got a similar scene here - lots of snow.
ReplyDeleteOh Robin! It's gorgeous! I like the top photo better.
ReplyDeleteI like them both. I think most people respond to warm colors, but like Peggy said, the bottom one feels more like winter.
ReplyDeleteThe top photo shows the texture really well. They both really give a sense of the temperature of the scene. Beautifully done Robin.
ReplyDelete