Scarlet
Original oil painting 20x16"
by Susan Roux
Sometimes a painting has a mind of its own. So was the case with this one.
I've been having fun exploring soft colored shadows, especially in white. I'd hoped to paint another similar to my past two. Capturing a soft sexy yet innocent feeling. But this hot ticket would not submit to my desires. Her red skirt caused so many problems! Innocence was the furthest thing this painting was ever going to possess.
It was a frustrating journey as I tried to gain control over the attitude of my young lady. In my attempt I furiously added colors to my background. Layering them over and over each other. It was quite odd looking when I dipped my big brush in red and scribbled it everywhere. I just wanted to calm her flirty skirt! That red just screamed.
I'm not sure how artists like Diane Leonard can continually paint red dresses without getting out of control. I see others who have mastered handling such a powerful color. As for myself, I think I'll stay away from the Valentine hue. I'm far more comfortable with the likes of white...
I exploded verbally as night fell and after toiling all day, she still mocked me. I washed my brushes as she stared down over me. I wanted to pull her off the easel. She made me so mad. Perhaps she reminded me of how some girls made me feel way back in high school. Looking down at me like I didn't belong.
The mind can play crazy games sometimes...
A new day can cast a totally different light. I expected to be upset with my canvas. I pulled her off the easel, placed her in a gold frame and set her in a different light. Backing away, I was surprised to see the background shine and glisten as though it had been gilded. The skirt that screamed so loudly at night, calmed in the shimmering atmosphere. The photo doesn't come close to capturing this effect. As I moved around the room, those endless layers that formed my background were as alive as my hot ticket. She's trying to steal the show, but she exists nicely in her environment. I wish I could show her to you as she really appears.
j'aime cette peinture très impressionniste, ainsi celle du post précedent..
ReplyDeleteBeautifully painted. And your observations and personal reactions are so well written! Isn't it interesting that in many paintings, a little of the painter shines through? Despite your struggle, (or maybe because of it) this one shows confidence in self, celebration of place, and joy. If those high school girls could see it/you now! (and maybe some do) There is a bit of the "come hither" look, but what the heck? Way to go!
ReplyDeleteThis painting is beautiful Where ever you found her, go back for more photos! What a great series. Loved reading about "red". I'm just finishing up a few w/ red and so understand. It is powerful. You handled it so well!
ReplyDeleteThat's OK you've done enough. I need a cigarette and I don't even smoke. Yes she pulled me right in with the red skirt, but that background is masterful. It's making me want to paint. Funny thing is that the other two do the same thing. It's not the red, it's the whole thing together subject, style, composition, background, underpainting, on and on--it's breathtaking. Wm
ReplyDeleteSusan, I'm so glad you shared this painting. I LOVE her. I don't know if you use a model or your imagination, but the lines of your legs and arms is so graceful and beautiful. The red skirt is sexy, but there is still a sweetness and innocence to your painting.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to take a figurative class from you! Have you ever thought of making a dvd? I'd love to see your process.
Hugs to you today, now I have to go paint!! xo
Kelly
I love it! Fantastic colours and shadows!
ReplyDeletea beautifully written post to accompany an incredibly well done painting. as i read i was stunned that you weren't as enchanted by her as i was. very glad to read the dawning of a new day brought with it new vision. the red skirt is my favorite section followed closely by everything else. i so enjoyed this on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteme again. i do hope my comment was saved. i so enjoyed this painting and post but forgot what i wrote! stunning painting!
ReplyDeleteYour painting is a joy to view and your comments, thoughtful and sometimes funny.
ReplyDeleteI think it is so pretty, so hinting at times of unconcern...in and of itself times of innocence. I know what you mean about some of those girls in high school - I went through it too.
ReplyDeleteYou did a fantastic job with her! I have a problem keeping hot colors from being too hot! I think you nailed it on this one. Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteBeau résultat quoi que tu en dises! ... je sais que tu n'es pas habituée à travailler les rouges... Je n'aime pas porter du rouge, mais j'aime le marier dans ma peinture. Il est provocateur et c'est merveilleux lorsque tu parviens à le dompter... Couleur sauvage qui peut faire des ravages en bien et en mal...
ReplyDeleteBisous
She is amazing!! I love getting into you head as you create--I never thought artists thought like this. It's as though your painting is a MC in a story and it sometimes takes on a life of its own. I love how you created the water.
ReplyDeleteWonderful painting and a vivid fun description too!
ReplyDeleteLove both of these latest figure paintings! Both are stunningly beautiful, yet so different in their feel and palette. I really enjoyed the post as well!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this painting as well as the one that you just completed...this is a great series of paintings, every single one of them. Truly delightful!
ReplyDeleteJ'aime vraiment la subtilité, et la poésie que dégagent ces peintures.
ReplyDeleteBelle journée.
It is a beautiful painting, I wonder how you ever had doubts about this one. And very good description of the feelings going through your mind proving you are not only a good artist, but also a good writer.
ReplyDeleteI only hope you never shy away from bold sexy colors.