So.. i haven't added much to the blog lately... and that's because i haven't been excited about what's going on in the studio! but.. here's some new work... two swamp paintings...both unfinished... but both are promising.
the image is the same.... a view of reflection from the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary outside Naples, FL. i like the simplicity of the reflection... but working with the different mediums will change the final results enormously.
the approaches to each mediums are vastly different... and i won't go into that here. but... suffice it to say.. the watercolor has the reflection yet to be added.. .[probably Prussian Blue with French Ultramarine]... darkest values in the front... grading to lighter values towards the edge.
the acrylic, well.. there is so much layering yet to happen... glazes... marks, values, edges.. etc. i am also going to add the reeds themselves.. in lime green at the top. anyway, the development of these paintings can be tracked here...
also.. i added more value and detail to the
pescados. i like the piece.. and am forcing the eye... more and more to the center image... the red gaping mouth of the fish. it's better to do finishing touches.. much later in a paintings journey... you are clearer and with more perspective.. less attached..
Corkscrew Swamp
watercolor
25" H x 60" w
2008
Corkscrew Swamp
acrylic/paper
25" H x 60" W
2008
Pescados
watercolor
22" H x 30" W
2008
Here is a large scale watercolor of reeds -- that has taken some time to complete.
since I've seen them. We had lunch with another City Planner -- who's also interested in getting a portrait done of his wife.
This painting is really gathering it's own energy and presence. I am almost done with it ... and what started out as TWO watercolors... spontaneously became infinitely better by becoming a DIPTYCH. i was working on both pieces simultaneously -- and had them next to each other on my work easel. suddenly -- the differing perspectives of virtually the same pond... became eerily suggestive.. and captivating. i LIKED it better together.. than separately. that's how they hang.
I have been working on this painting for the last few weeks... hoping to have it done before going to FL... and seeing the REAL EVERGLADES! but, alas.. I couldn't draw it to conclusion. I do like parts of it.. and I will finish it later. It's a nice composition ... and soon.. it will take on a life of it's own.
here's a large scale watercolor-- of reeds and marsh. i'm not quite done with it.. there are hours more work in detail. but.. the layout and feel is positive.. and i like the way the painting is going.
