Sunday, January 3, 2010

mark making and tactile quality

So call me a wimp. 45 mile an hour winds were making my little Honda Fit dance over the road. The winds rocked the car when I parked. That's when I decided to paint "en plein car."
On my way to the location I thought about the marks a pastelist makes are like the brushmarks  of an oil painter. They make the tactile quality of an otherwise flat medium. They are my voice. I will restrain them less. Allow them to dance more and celebrate the medium I love.

Two posts today. Check the one below this as well. I couldn't resist blogging about the Sargent show.

7 comments:

SamArtDog said...

i love the idea of "deconstructed pastel", i.e., pastel brushstrokes. i think casey's MAM best of place award (my favorite river painting) is a super example.

en plein car---har har har!

Double "D" said...

Wow, your commitment always always blows my doors off. Beautiful piece made even more beautiful by the time of day and you. Thanks for sending the photo so we can all see where you spend your early mornings.

Now if you'll excuse me ... I've got to go look up the word "tactile". Oh by the way, you have a beautiful voice.
Your painting buddy

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Great post, Loriann! How do you contain the pastel mess when you paint in your car? Do you use a cloth to catch your dust?

The wind usually makes me quit -- do a sketch, take some photos and call it good. I have too many experiences with an easel upside down to brave 45 mph winds any more.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Pastel marks are your brushstrokes! Hooray for less restraint! Go for it! Katherine

brian eppley said...

I don't think anyone would call you a wimp. You're work ethic is unparalleled. This wind is historic. Brutal I would say. Beautiful work

loriann signori said...

Hey Sam and the dogs.. deconstructed pastel...mmmmm. Casey's is a good one. I like the idea of calm and excited places in the deconstruction.
PS the car was warm.

Hi PB!
Thanks...commitment and yes I do post some dogs (sorry Sam). I really like the ones YOU posted today,

Hi Katherine, Thanks. No real mess... I place a bag on my lap.

loriann signori said...

H Brian,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. This wind is nuts. I really like your idea of the heated van. That could change your life. Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Lovely colors on this one Loriann.

Me too about the tactile quality of pastels. I miss it when I use oils. Dry brush just ain't the same (you have to keep re-loading the brush). Besides, it's not only about the visuals you can create but also about 'the feel' of the process.

45 mph winds? You're one tough cookie. :)