Friday, July 2, 2010

hog wild underpainting and the question of greens

9x14 (i think) pastel and watercolor
My goal on this painting was to go "hog wild" on the underpainting and then to carefully consider the greens. What did I need for some truth, what to throw away in search of a better painting????? The underpainting was mainly oranges and magenta violets. It was amazing how little local color green was necessary to make the beauty of the scene. Refracted light and humidity sure help green become less potent.
Actually this is a little pond on the side of the golf course. It's main purpose is to water to course, sort of like a farm pond. My other goal was to make it feel like the most beautiful place in the world.

12 comments:

Double "D" said...

You've succeeded in creating beauty.
I think you're really getting into this watercolor
and pastel combo. This one is masterful and belongs in a gallery of fine art.

Later,
PB

loriann signori said...

Thanks PB, your comments mean a lot to me!!! The watercolor underpainting has returned. Good luck today!

Nika said...

ooh, this is very beautiful and complex! And it does convey the humidity and that early morning quiet anticipation. You really are on a roll lately, it's so inspiring.
Lately I find myself inventing new ways of dealing with greens, how to make them look more complex and less green.(but at the same time read as green)
It's amazing how many different ways to do it there is...
I should post some of my experiments.
Do you have any quick tips for taking pics of your work? I find that the pictures that I take of my pastels look less intense in value and somewhat drained of color. I try to take them outside on an overcast day. The camera is a good quality SLR, so I know it's not the camera:)

SamArtDog said...

Did you say, green? What green?

I think knowing it's there is as good as seeing it there. Or better than. Or it's the same thing. Or something...

loriann signori said...

Hi Nika, i look forward to seeing some of your green explorations. Green is relative. That is one of my favorite things about early morning, it's about the color of air, not local color. The color of air is soooo intoxicating!

Hi Sam...green green everywhere...but here??? The magic of morning. Tomorrow I will up the green, just for you. To do that I will paint a little later in the morning...maybe an hour.

Donna T said...

It's funny how we don't have to see green in order to know that something is green! Beautiful piece, Loriann! I have begun to think of green as an accent when I am painting; something to be left till the absolute end so I don't overdo it! I just got back from a few days on the Outerbanks. Too hot for painting but it sure was pretty. I am catching up with all the work (and recipes) that I missed here. You are on some kind of roll!

Casey Klahn said...

Sam stole my comment: what green? Now I see the little bit of it there.

What I find great is the open color and the depth of layers - still showing what looks like some paper or thin understory. Terrific.

loriann signori said...

Hi Donna! Hope you had a wonderful time in the outer banks. I am glad that you finally were able to get away. Green as an accent I like that. Roll on!

Hi Casey...so you are looking for green, eh?
One of the best things sbout early morning is the humidity and refraction. Some of my fields even appear orange. Tomorrow I will painting a little later to take on more green.
Thanks about the painting!

Sally Veach said...

I think the crazy thing about color constancy is that we will see green even if it is not there. Then adding the little bit that you did, well, that just cemented the deal! Beautiful painting. :-)

Caroline Peña Bray said...

My most favourite yet! The colours are stunning, no more green required! One of my favoutie things about your style is that I feel the image could disintegrate before me at any moment...like you've captured a fleeting moment never to be seen again...It's an absolutely, absolutely wonderful style.

loriann signori said...

Hi Sally, I think we see green because we KNOW in your brain it is green. Green is one of the most fickle colors, have to study its M.O.

Hi Caroline,
THANK YOU! I like what you say....about it being a moment and that it can disintegrate before you. Great description! Thanks!

Jala Pfaff said...

Love the vivid oranges and purples here.