Saturday, October 24, 2009

Less is More


9x12 sepia and black pastel on arches

Less is more is a saying that is true in many aspects of life. Painting is just another facet. Detail and complexity do not make better paintings...instead look for what is essential. Paint like the eye sees. Notice when you focus and look at one specific area, for instance the tree edge near the water, now the farther points in your vision blur  and become out of focus. Hmmmm. what does that mean for your paintings? I continually struggle to find that in my work.

10 comments:

Janelle Goodwin said...

I'm continuously surprised by your grisaille work, Loriann. They have an elegant beauty all their own. Then I see your colorful pastels w/watercolor and they're equally beautiful in their own way.

susan hong-sammons said...

I so agree, "less is more" and you got so much more out of this painting. It's very powerful

Double "D" said...

This is as beautiful in black and white as it would be in color. The darkest dark next to the fade away around the curve is O so good. Like it a lot.
Your painting Buddy

loriann signori said...

Hi Janelle and thank you. I am realizing just how important value work is. The color can't do it if the value is not perfect.

Hi Susan, I think you and I have been thinking about the same things recently. It is really hard to restrain oneself from "adding". The second half of painting time really is about the leaving out process. Don't you think?

Hi Doug, my painting buddy,
Thanks....value is king (or queen.)
buddette

Donna T said...

I have such a hard time leaving stuff out, especially in foregrounds. Keep showing me how it should be done, Loriann. It's starting to sink in!

Brian McGurgan said...

This has a beautiful feeling to it, Loriann, and a lovely handling of value. The eraser marks and rubbed areas make if feel wonderfully "worked" - not overworked or underworked but just right.

Astrid Volquardsen said...

Wunderful work.
I just thought the other day I should do more of "back to basic" pieces.This is a great inspiration for doing so. Simple, strong, nailed.

loriann signori said...

Hi Donna. Believe me, your work show me you understand simplicity. Paint on.

Hi Brian and thank you. It is a fine line between worked and over worked:-)

Hi Astrid and thank you. Your work is an inspiration for me. Back to basic can never hurt, I am hoping it helps my work have new insights. Happy painting.

Jala Pfaff said...

Awesome.

loriann signori said...

thanks Jala!