I didn't join the plein air group last Tuesday – cold and powerful winds – upwards of 50 km or more, threat of heavy rain, (it didn’t actually pour until evening) convinced me to stay home. An exhausting decision. I spent the better part of the day questioning the sky which seemed a wash of unremitting gray.
This sketch is from last April. Although it too, was a rainy day, we were able to luxuriate from within the shelter of an old sheep barn.
oil on panel 9"x12"
These colours Marcia, particularly in the top one, magically sing together and more importantly to me they appear "spontaneous" as if you knew from the start that you would make marks in that way. No hesitation. This fascinates me because I find that extremely difficult and it is the reason I use acrylics which allow me to change my mind constantly about value, colour, shape and so on, as I produce a work which usually kind of gradually emerges out of the tentative dust and grime.
ReplyDeleteSheila,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your remarks but I must say that at the same time I am astonished and mystified! As an artist you are amazingly talented and accomplished!!!!! I can't say enough good things about your work. Just now I'm browsing through some of your Stalybridge paintings - whether you're painting in oils or acrylic, your work soars!!!!!
I don't think it really matters if you think you're tentative or bold. Deep within you there's always a gut feeling, a real commitment and to my thinking, that's all that really matters.
Point of fact or fact of point - I look look upon your work with awe and admiration, I look up to you!!!!
As for the barn paintings - the top one was photographed in the barn and I wish I had stopped at that point. There was a mix of natural and artificial light but it was really getting quite dark - and then I continued a bit longer -the second photograph. however is not accurate to the painting and although I re-photographed it today, I'm not quite satisfied.
I'm impressed that you're going to have a go at Arendt. I read her book about fifteen years ago and may have another go at it myself.
Mmm these are lovely. They remind me of a beautiful sheep barn we visit in Nova Scotia -- replete with sheep.
ReplyDeleteGreat work. Your instinct was right. Cold and rain -- not at all fun.
Love,
Barbara
Dazzling work again, Marcia! I agree with Sheila about the sense of spontaneity and instinctive approach that you have.
ReplyDeleteYes, trust your instincts--both in paint and going out to paint!
Marcia,
ReplyDeleteThe top painting is absolutely incredible and
without fear or hesitation. This is a great example
of what I hope to accomplish some time in my life.
They both just scream barn. Wow!
Doug
Thank you Barbara!
ReplyDeleteNo sheep, there were at one time hundreds - about two years ago he kept twenty and now it seems lonely with the last of them gone. But he's approaching ninety... he can still be seen making a grand sweep of his fields driving around in his tractor! Time soon for another visit!
love, Marcia
Gosh! Gee whiz Melinda!!! Thank you so much! If I didn't trust my instincts before I surely will now. But you know how it is sometimes nevertheless - which I hesitate to admit - but sometime we submerge our better instincts under the blanket of a gray fog - at least I do. But as you imply - courage, and I agree, 100%
ReplyDeletexo Marcia
Doug, Thank you for your tremendously kind, generous remarks!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel quite the same about your beautiful watercolors!!!