Thursday, July 29, 2010

last one from downey road

 
9x12 I think) pastel/watercolor on Uart
Before I left for the Olympic Peninsula I had to go to Downey Road once last time. It was beautiful.  My question was , what IS essential? What can I leave out and make a stronger feeling? I began by underpainting in the skeleton colors in effort to create a glow from underneath. I am once again trying to leave more of the underpainting showing. Consciously  choosing, more frugality.
 

I really wanted to paint the way it felt, and ignore the details of how it looked.

9 comments:

Casey Klahn said...

I was struck by the (linear) composition, and the blue glow in the water.

You said one of my favorite names, there: "The Olympic Peninsula." It's been called the land that slept late. I could write a book on my personal connections there. Like the elk that tipped over my grave marker, or maybe it was a busload of movie fans.

Paint well!

Double "D" said...

Masterful B,
Always impressed with your underpaintings and pleased when you give us a peak. You've certainly accomplished the glow from within. I would love to just follow along on your outings and watch you work through your process. I would be quiet as a mouse.
Another great painting B.
PB

Double "D" said...

Hi again,
Forgot to ask ... will you go up on Hurricane Ridge at the peninsula? Used to go up there in the summer and take pictures of us standing next to 10' of snow.
Cool!

Jan Yates, SCA said...

I completely understand re letting go and just painting your response--and letting the painting take you-such a fine line(pun intended) You have so much knowledge re technique stirred up with an honest passion for the land and believe me, it shines right through-remarkable work! Thanks again for sharing

SamArtDog said...

Once again, your watercolor threatens to be the dish that ran away with the spoon. But the finished table setting is gorgeous.

Peace to you on the Peninsula.

Brenda Boylan said...

I love the results you achieved with such restraint.

OOOhhh that Blue on the rusty orange under painting is beauuuutiful!
It must be hard to keep from filling in all the information this scene had! :)
I remember once my design professor would always say "less is more!", and yup, you delivered!

Caroline Simmill said...

The water is dancing! how wonderful. I like this painting very much a much more emotional response to the landscape.

Joan Breckwoldt said...

What beautiful pastel paintings! Your blog is a feast for my eyes. Your work is amazing. Thank you for your thoughts on your process too. I will spend a lot of time reading your blog, I've marked it as one of my favorites so I will be back soon.
Joan

loriann signori said...

Hi Casey! Isn't your river there? Today I saw my first herd of elk EVER! Beautiful place.

Hi PB,
You are too nice. The underpainting posting was, of course, for you!
Tomorrow I plan to head to Hurricane Ridge. 10' of snow! Yipes!

Hi Jan!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. And thank you so much for your very kind comment!

Hey Sammie!
Dish that ran away with the spoon...heehee... you always have the best way of saying things. I would like to have a visit inside your brain.

Hi Brenda, Thank you! Less is more and my mantra right now.

Hi Caroline!
You are so right. That's what painting the same scene again and again can do. You become attached and it speaks through you. I know YOU understand that!

Hi Joan! Thanks for visiting my site and i hope you are having a wonderful trip in Maine. What a great place to paint! I will be visiting your blog when i have more time as well! cheers!