Why are verticals exciting? It seems that the one vertical I had in the show could have sold at least 4 times.....why????? What is it about verticals? Do you know??? I am not sure. So this morning I left the house knowing I would paint a vertical. What do you think?
8 comments:
I totally agree about the verticals. Perhaps because they show what's over your head and under your feet, as well as arcing out to the horizon, they have more depth. They give more of a sense of place. Yours certainly do, anyway!
I agree with SamArtDog--good observation. In addition, looking at this exceptional beauty, I think it's your skill and how you respond to the shape and the landscape. Your admirers get that message, too!
Really gorgeous piece here. That sky! That water! Those trees....!!
Hi Loriann,
Great colors in this piece. Now I'm going to become the old curmudgeon I've been called before. For me verticals and horizontals and squares all have places as formats for paintings. I think that the subject matter should dictate the format. In this painting, I want to see where the river goes after passing through this narrow area. How broad is the entire scene, are those trees on an island? It just feels like a horizontal scene. I want to look under the right edge or the left edge to see what's outside the scene.
Again this is just an opinion, something that most artists have. I think it was a great idea to paint this vertical and then leave it open for discussion.
It would be interesting to know what the subject matter was in the vertical at the show, along with your mastery of the medium I'm sure would explain some of it. Please feel free to tell me to zip it.
Your painting buddy.
I know you generally gravitate to "squares" and I also always seem to go for a vertical format. I have found that the 2 to 1 ratio seems to be popular with collectors. Perhaps it is because most of us think of landscapes as just that. And when composed vertically it puts a whole new spin on things. People start to see things differently and really enjoy their new vision, and hopefully their new piece of art!
Your vertical is indeed exciting. It also demands attention. But when I gaze at it, it evokes a sense of peace. I'm not surprised people loved it so much!
Thanks everyone for your input. It's always interesting to hear others' perspective. Let me address each thought:
Sam, That's an interesting observation more depth, under and up. I guess it's sort of unusual in a way because we actually scan that to see so much. I love the way Japanese prints cover the same space. I will look at many verticals now to see their special "sense of place."
Melinda,
Thank you for your kind words. Sam seems to really have something there.
Hey PB,
You may the "the old curmudgeon" anytime you want. I agree that subject matter dictates the format. I would like to add that I think emotional state may also dictate it as well.
I think I will study and play with the vertical and see what happens.
buddette
Marianne, You remember so well I love square, always have. They have a tension of their own- not a vertical or horizontal. More about that later.
It's interesting that you say the 2:1 ratio is most popular...why do you think?
And yes, verticals do put a new spin on subject matter.
Hi Janelle,
This vertical was a play piece..thanks for your positive comments. The one in question is "quiet dignity." It was posted on October 13. What do you think of that one?
Okay, I have a tongue-in-cheek theory for why it may be so: most landscapes are horizontals. People have bought so many of these that eventually the only space left on their walls is for verticals. :)
You have a point Jala!
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