"Summer Sky, Chicago"
20" x 16" watercolor and wax on 140 lb. paper
The painting started with this older watercolor -
Using an abstract painting from years ago, I once again decided to create an identifiable cityscape by painting in new watercolor details combined with layers of wax. This piece is all about the texture representing the concrete of Lake Shore Drive, heading South into the city (Diversey Harbor on the right). The perspective is enhanced by using textured wax on the drive against the smoothness of the skyscrapers, the largest being the Hancock Building center left, with Sears Tower in the background to the right.
I am thinking about starting a large diptych (36" x 72") on encausticbord, continuing with cityscapes, skyscrapers and identifiable landmark buildings here in Chicago.
Other news to share -
I received notification that all 3 of my mini works on paper will be included in the 35th annual Mini-Works on Paper exhibit at Jacksonville State University, AL. Last year I won first prize and sold one of my pieces, this year I hope I am half as lucky!
The accepted works are all 2.5" x 3.5"; these small works have become my "bread and butter" of art sales, retailing for $150 once mounted and framed. The work for the show is required to be matted in white or off white, no frames allowed.
Congratulations on the show! And I'm so intrigued by the idea of mixing WAX with watercolor! Do you have a post here that shows your process? The results are breathtaking! Your reworked painting is wonderful! It was wonderful as a watercolor abstract too, though. But I like the thought of taking one piece and building a whole new piece onto it. That's cool!
ReplyDeleteI have only written about the process, I will have to create a video at some point with step by step demonstrations. My previous post was a similar re-do, (in case you didn't see it - http://robinsamiljan.blogspot.com/2014/04/chicago.html). I just got home from the frame shop and its going to cost me a fortunate to properly matt and space these paintings in order to prevent it from touching the glass, all part of preparing for the upcoming weekend art festivals. I keep telling myself it costs money to make money. :)
DeleteI love your Chicago pieces and I immediately noticed the texture in LSD. (Remember that song?) Also recognized the iconic Hancock building. Love the three pieces you entered into the show and that last one in particular took my breath away!
ReplyDeleteIt seems I am heading toward the start of a new series of cityscape paintings, Sherry. I can't help but get inspired when I am surrounded by all the architecture and I know you can recognize it too.
DeleteI just love how you incorporated and kept parts of the old floral painting in the cityscape. Even though the painting depicts massive, solid objects, it has lovely ethereal feel to it.
ReplyDeleteEverywhere I go these days I am seeing skyscrapers and concrete, such a huge change from flowers and rolling meadows. Keeping the ethereal qualities of watercolor are similar to the ethereal qualities of wax. I can tell I am going to have more fun combining the 2.
DeleteI saw all 3 of these pieces at the JSU 35th Annual Mini-Works on Paper Show at the opening yesterday (5/8) and they were among my favorites! My son, Greg Felch, just graduated from JSU on 5/2 and he had 3 pieces also accepted into the show, so it was his first "real" show. (He'd done his Senior BFA show, and several Professors Picks and had 1 prior Honorable Mention in a juried student show). He did extremely well in the mini-works and we are very pleased! Congratulations on your 3 pieces being accepted and being well received.
ReplyDeleteI saw all 3 of these pieces yesterday, 5/8 at the opening of the JSU 35th Annual Mini Works. Your pieces were among my favorites! My son, Greg Felch, who just graduated with his BFA from JSU on 5/2 also had 3 pieces (ink drawings) accepted into the show. Though he'd done his Senior BFA show, Professor's Picks, and a Juried student show (where he received Honorable Mention), this was his first "real" show. He did extremely well. If you are interested, his website is www.gregfelch.com. He hasn't updated it with photos of his more recent work yet, including the 3 mini works, but for an idea of what he submitted, you can check out the videos and scroll down to the ink drawn cartoon in time lapse at the bottom. Congratulations on the acceptance of your 3 pieces and it seemed like they were well received. I love your artwork.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and for the show feedback. Good luck to your son, I will visit his website shortly.
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