Monday, January 3, 2011

paint what you feel

9x6 pastel and watercolor on Uart

Sometimes I find that it's better to let my observation that sit inside me before I try to express it in pastel or paint.
Two nights ago I took a walk at dusk...it was a beautiful glowing pink, slightly neutralized, more at the top than the horizon where it was more pure light.
It makes me think of what William Morris Hunt said- "It's the artist's perception that counts, not simply a fact rendition of place. In poetry and painting facts do not amount to much. Fact did not make Hamlet! Painting is not intended for rules;  but to represent something which you see and feel!...... Paint what you see and what you feel....If you have forgotten the poetry and mystery you can't get it again. It's the way you look at a thing that makes a picture. It isn't paint or the way in which the  paint is put on."
 from The History of Tonalism 1880-1920

21 comments:

Jason Kozlowski said...

As a fellow artist I just wanted to tell you that I love your work. For me too, I feel that you have to open yourself up when you are painting and let the painting reflect back something deeper within you.

Leah said...

This is stunning! So simple, pure and honest.

carol morgan carmichael said...

These paintings are just great Lori. Loving your experimentation. Really nice!
Happy 2011!

Deborah Paris said...

beautiful color harmony and restraint. memory will do that for you!

Donna T said...

I love the expansive sky, Loriann. It would be hard not to feel something when looking at this one. Thanks for the quote too. I am guilty of being too influenced by all the rules of painting. Happy New Year!

SamArtDog said...

It always amazes me when you paint air.

loriann signori said...

Thanks Jason! I find that I have to stop thinking to actually do that. Hard. What do you notice?

Thank you Leah!!!!!

Thanks carol! Experimentation comes naturally...i always want to know what happens if I_______? I am delighted to know you enjoy them. happy new year!

loriann signori said...

Hi Deborah and thanks for taking the time to comment. As you have always told me memory is the essence. I will continue to work more with it.




Hi Donna, Thank you about the painting! It is hard not to be influenced by the rules, that's why that quote meant so much to me as well. Paint on my friend and happy new year!

Hi Sam...painting air...hmmmmmm. Thank you

Brenda Boylan said...

Loriann, you always share such great brain food! This is a piece that exudes a most quiet and peaceful memory for me. Thanks for sharing.

loriann signori said...

Hi Brenda! Brain food...yum ! I am glad you enjoy my shared culinary delights. Thank you about the piece,

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Love the painting and love quote, too. You have not forgotten the poetry or mystery! It's like you've created a piece that is substantial and yet mystical. Great! Kvan
P.S. Remind us of the book again, please!!

Brian McGurgan said...

Just perfect, Loriann - beautiful soft and subtle transitions, it feels very complete. And that's a great quote as well!

loriann signori said...

Hi Kvan,
The book is The History of Tonalism 1880-1920. It's a fascinating read and full of photos of Tonalist paintings I have never seen before.
pS Thanks about the painting.

Thanks Brian. Are you enjoying the book?

Brian McGurgan said...

Yes, Loriann, I'm loving it. Right now, I'm in chapter one just starting on John Lafarge. I had thought I'd get more reading in during the holidays but slowed down then - now I'm back to reading a bite each evening.

Brian McGurgan said...

That should have been "bit" and not "bite"...

loriann signori said...

Hi Brian, a small bite of that yummy book makes perfect sense to me. After looking through all the paintings I am tackling the reading in small nibbles and then digesting. I am learning a lot in the process.

Brenda Boylan said...

Sounds like there is a hunger for your work, Loriann! Eye candy...YES!

Jala Pfaff said...

Love this one. The softness of the color and simplicity of the composition. Wonderful.

loriann signori said...

Thanks jala...it's amazing how sometimes it takes so little...but it's the build up of all those "too much " paintings that makes the so little work...ask Whistler....

JANE MINTER said...

i love this one loriann

loriann signori said...

Thanks Jane!