Monday, December 20, 2010

soft California rains

9x11 pastel and watercolor on Uart paper
Rainy southern California makes for beautiful atmospheric vistas. Painted from inside my car, this painting is all about soft feeling that is rain and fog and the altering of value and chroma to make both the atmosphere and distance. Once again the actual scene was much closer in value and chroma. Carving exciting negatives spaces and varying the handling of those spaces (smudged, scratched and calligraphy) all help add space and interest. Here is the watercolor underpainting.
The set-up is always in the watercolor. It works like a grisaille for me as the value decisions are made.
Special note: tonight is the lunar eclipse, which coincides with the Winter Solstice. Read about it here.

11 comments:

Caroline Simmill said...

Lovely, you really have captured the mist perfectly and this is not easy to do. The watercolour underpainting is nice too. I like the way the path leads you into the painting, great colours. Wish I was there Loriann it looks peaceful and most of all the green colours and rain are so much more welcoming than the big white out outside! Big snow here!

SamArtDog said...

I love it when you paint in California.

Donna T said...

So dreamy looking ... misty but not cold. Aren't you supposed to be relaxing out there, eating cookies or something?

comedyrocks.com said...

Your paintings inspire me to try it - and trust me - I have NO talent!

loriann signori said...

Hi Caroline, thank you so much about the painting. Peaceful it is. the rain has made me slow down . The combination of vacation and my usual responsibilities absent has made my pace come to a screeching halt. I was doing a little grocery shopping and I noticed that for the first time (since I can remember) I was not in a hurry. My heart rate was slower. This rain is a good thing. Snow sounds nice too. Have you posted any more snow pics?

Hi Sam and thank you!!!

Hi Donna! I am relaxing, seriously...but there is ALWAYS time to paint. The family does sleep.

Hi Comedy, Thank you. A little secret... trust me, it really isn't about talent as much as it's about discipline and passion.

Art Matters said...

This is such a beautiful painting - it has made my day.
I do admire your consistant work at a painting every day come rain or snow or fog.

Theresa Evans said...

I agree, a beautiful little painting. So soft and atmospheric. I love the muted colours and the way you've so expertly suggested mist and gentle rain. Lovely.

Brian McGurgan said...

Beautiful, atmospheric painting, Loriann! Very nice use of a secondary triadic color scheme and wonderful soft edges. Enjoy slowing down and have a restful vacation!

loriann signori said...

Hi Carol! Thanks for visiting my blog and for your very kind words!!!

Hi Theresa! Thank you. I am so happy to hear my suggestions of rain worked... now if the actual stuff would stop falling!

Hi Brian! Thanks for your comment and compliment. You caught me again with that triad! Have a wonderful holiday!

Casey Klahn said...

This one strikes a chord with me. Marvelous!

Try to get a hold of some images that Russell Chatham did in California. They provide inspiration in the same vein as you are going - shapes and abstraction. Also, atmospherics.

loriann signori said...

Thanks Casey. I appreciate your kind words. I remember Russell Chatham I will have to research his paintings on the internet while I am here. Thanks for reminding me!