Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Grand Rio Grande

9 x12 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper
This one is my favorite of all the New Mexico paintings so far. It's funny because when I saw it I was jarred by its beauty and scared to death just to try to create the impression of the grandness before me on this small piece of paper . The light was high (one o'clock in the afternoon), but I didn't want to wait for hours to get just the right light. So I decided to take on the challenge. Because of the light conditions I had to really search and heighten the value changes in order to make the grand space I wanted.
I used the same method : a value/temperature underpainting, then pastel to make the color of light and atmosphere. I think this one will go back to the studio and become a biggie.

Blogger friends, I have not ignored you and of course I will respond to your comments it's just that my internet service is sooooooo bad that it breaks down over and over again. I will try...
XO Loriann

10 comments:

Bob Lafond said...

Loriann, I agree with you. Your Grand Rio Grande is indeed very grand, and also quite nice.

Bob

loriann signori said...

Thanks Bob!!!!!

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Loriann, Wow. Your did a magnificent job on this painting. I feel like I'm there. (I wish I was there!)

Brenda Boylan said...

You nailed the atmosphere and space on this one...and on such a small area! I say WOW!

brian eppley said...

Great stuff! I really like the juniper painting. The excitement of a new scene just cries out.

loriann signori said...

Hi Janelle! Thanks so much..this was a challenge. I am really trying to use my pastels differently, more like glazes. We'll see where it leads me. Wish you were here too..that would be fun.

loriann signori said...

Hi Brenda!
Thanks for your positive comment.The contrast between paper size and grand view really did overwhelm me at first! But...what the heck, right? If I mess up I mess up...it's all process. :-)

loriann signori said...

Thanks Brian! You're right it really is exciting to turn the painting world upside down. I have no habits to lean on..... it's all exploration. Yipee!

Jala Pfaff said...

These are all really great, Loriann! I really feel you're capturing the grandness.

loriann signori said...

Thanks Jala..... as an East Coaster (my whole life) this is a whole new idea and challenge. Now I wonder what I can do with and my new transparent oils these back in the studio. I see you have been experimenting with transparents as well. Enjoy.