Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Lights and darks


Loading Traps
Work in progress 16x20"
by Susan Roux

I've been painting all day long lately. Since the workshop, inspiration is peeked. Thank you for all your encouraging comments as I dive into a new approach. Its as though my motor is on and I'm afraid to shut it off for fear of loosing precious information.

Paint, paint, paint. Like a mad woman with a brush!

This is the initial block-in for my latest piece. Actually it isn't really the initial one. I took a photo of what I thought was my block-in, only to find the man's head was very puny. Odd how I couldn't see it looking at the canvas, yet it jumped out so clearly in a photograph. A bit discouraged, I returned to the studio to enlarge his head... Its better now.

Don Hatfield's approach is to focus on the large shapes of light and dark without attention to detail.


I'm trying really hard to do this, but I'm certain I have way more detail showing in this initial block-in than he would allow. He has a reputation of "slaying our darlings". This means knocking out the detail to reinforce and adjust the correct values in large shapes.

I chose this image to paint because it related closer to our portrait lesson than wildflowers in a field. Though I'm assured the same principles apply, it seems easier to follow his instructions with a figure in the scene. Now that my figure is adjusted, I can begin to focus on all the different planes and how light affects them. Be it reflected light or direct sunlight.

I think I'm off to a good start. My biggest fear is the yellow grid of the lobster trap. I'm hoping to keep it soft and simple, but the mathematical side of me will be pushing for every line in the grid! I'll try not to listen... Perhaps I can put them all in and then make some disappear.

We'll see how that goes. After all, its only paint.

Enjoy your day. Don't be afraid to experiment a little... or a lot.

22 comments:

  1. Susan, I'm liking it just as it is - impressionistic and full of light!

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  2. Wonderful subject Susan! I love artwork of men who work the water. I can't wait to see this painting completed!

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  3. I like what you are doing with the water in the background. Cool.

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  4. I looked at your image and my mind and heart said "YES" emphatically. Actually didn't realize it was just your initial block in... I like the looseness of it!!!

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  5. I hope we get to see the finished painting. The battle of left & right brain over the grid of the lobster trap will be interesting.

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  6. Hi Susan,
    I think Internet is crazy because i had sent you a kind comment for you... And i can't find it! snif!
    I'll tell you via skype what i wrote...
    Kisses

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  7. interesting technique...never thought of attempting one this way..the colours and shapes have been handled beautifully!

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  8. If that is a block-in, wow! I like it just like it is! But I look forward to seeing how you "finish" it!

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  9. This is so beautiful. I thought it was a completed painting too! I so understand about wanting to put in every line of the grid. I think I must have OCD, because I always want to keep adding details, even though I don't want to paint like that!

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  10. Love hearing about your process, especially when challenged to do things in a different way. That's how we grow! I love the figure, his shoulder,shirt,beautiful as is!!

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  11. The painting looked beautiful to me. I like your advice about experimenting. We should all allow ourselves to do this more, whatever our art..:)

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  12. wow--you paint so beautifully! I wish wish I could have your talent!

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  13. Hola Susan, compartimos el gusto por la pintura, tú creándola, yo recreándola en palabras...
    te invito a conocer:
    http://www.unaideamuchoarte.blogspot.com
    tu aporte allí sería bienvenido.
    Cariños desde el confín austral!

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  14. I like the feeling this painting gives. I think you could call it finished righ now.

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  15. Gorgeous painting Susan! I love the light and the painterly brush strokes. Also those lovely soft edges.

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  16. I think it's a very good start. Looks like you were able to pick up the lessons. It sounds wonderful!

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  17. What caught me was the composition:light on dark, and the strong sense of movement created with the tilt of the subject and his reaching toward the rail. Looking forward to the final!

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  18. Another marvellous post that inspires and lifts my heart. Another great start to my day.

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  19. I agree with other commenters; it looks finished now...
    Love your colors used here...Beautiful ~

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  20. you are doing some great things Susan. Keep at it. As you said the secret to good things is Paint Paint Paint.

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  21. I wouldn't touch it! Looks amazing and the head looks great, whatever you did! Love the light in this one ... especially on him. Plays great with the darks in the water. Beautiful work.

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