Friday, March 11, 2011

experimenting with underpainting

12x24 oil on wood
6x6 oil on wood
I have this idea, yet I haven't a clue how to do it. Somehow I think the secret lies in the underpainting. That leads me to my experimenting. I am planning, rubbing, scraping, scratching. Both these underpaintings are in step two of setting up the colors. Both are on wood...if I don't like it I can sand it off. I want my work to return to the looser nature of my pastels.  To feel light and freedom
On another note, it has been so long since I have been in the field, but the good news is here......starting tomorrow I am able to drive again!!!!! YAY! I can't lift my plein air stuff on my back...yet. but I know plenty of places that I can paint right near the car! I am so excited I can cry! This has been a LONG trip and to tell you the truth it has changed my life for the better. You wonder how can having most of your right lung removed change for the better???? Well, I slowed down and have learned to appreciate differently. I learned to ask for help (something that was taboo.) I learned to trust my painting head in a new way when I had to work only from memory (while painting bedside.) Those are the few things I can write here.... I feel the world opening up again.

18 comments:

Double "D" said...

Wow b, I'll take the under paintings.
These are lovely. Tremendous soft atmosphere. These will make people stop and smile. They'll will look deeply and feel what you felt when you painted it. All on the floor to.
Nice, nice.
Pb

loriann signori said...

Thanks so much PB! I am just trying to find my way and yes all on the floor. Maybe tomorrow I will see if I can work at the easel again. Thanks for all your support!

Donna T said...

It's so good to hear you will be able to go out and paint again soon, Loriann! Your recovery has been remarkable and your will to paint is amazing and inspiring! These paintings are so beautiful already. Underpaintings are the key and I wish I understood more about their influence on a painting.

loriann signori said...

Hi Donna!! I CAN'T wait! I do love painting. You are so right underpaintings are key-they are the set-up and they set the tone. Their influence on the painting is undeniable. Painting is constant learning and exploration. Enjoy the trip.
PS Thanks about these underpaintings!

Anonymous said...

you sound so good..and the underpaintings are lovely... and Spring is almost here!
So glad you will be able to go out and enjoy it!
Paula

Brenda Boylan said...

Loriann, I hear you loud and clear...and I CAN'T WAIT either! Isn't it a pity that we humans have to suffer first to realize the joy of life? When I go out and paint plein air, it's like it's the last day of my life and I want to eat it up! Yumm!
These under paintings are incredible just as they are. Isn't it exciting how the possibilities are endless?

B Lancton said...

Loriann - Your blog posts are the highlight of my evenings. I love to read them and am always excited about your paintings. It's great that you are going to be able to paint outside soon. Your work and your attitude are not only amazing, but you have unknowingly helped me out of a very long, chronic painting funk. Thank you. You sound great - painting outdoors will do you wonders! I'm so glad for you.
Bea

Teri said...

You are doing great Loriann! Keep up your positive spirit and keep painting!

Carol Flatt said...

I, too, am thrilled for you, Loriann. Your positive attitude and determination to paint have been such an inspiration. You are a problem solver and find a way to continue your passion and grow and thrive in it!

Anonymous said...

Hi Loriann,
Great news on your being able to drive again! I think that not being able to haul a lot of painting supplies on your back could open some new possibilities. You will have to work for now with the minimum of equipment-pairing down to the essentials. Perhaps some watercolor pencils and those brushes that have their own water supply? Enjoy your day-the two underpaintings have a beautiful glow. Both are filled with possibilities . Regarding my painting-
I haven't be back to the easel since Monday night/ early Tuesday morning. I have to become more consistent by working each day. That is something that I used to do and I want to work towards that happening again.

NJ ART 73

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

Words can't describe how pleased I am for you to be able to get outside painting. This is fantastic news! I'm really looking forward to hearing about your adventures. Wonderful news. Wooohoooo!

Sheila Vaughan said...

Great news Loriann - have a terrific first plein air. You are a wonderful example to us all in your determination to keep on going after such major surgery. The colours in the bottom 6 x 6 underpainting are stunning by the way. I can sense your happiness! It is contagious!

Brian McGurgan said...

Both of these look like good starts, Loriann, and I especially like how you've composed the second one. Congratulations on being able to drive again and that you'll be able to paint outdoors near the car. I'm sure that it will be a joy for you to be outside again, and that this long time of recovery and thought will make it an entirely new experience for you.

loriann signori said...

Hi Paula, Thanks!! It is wonderful that Spring is finally here and what timing! cheers!

Hi Brenda, fellow experimenter and plein air painter, Yes yes, I just live for this time of year. I am always thankful that I live where I do- we have the 4 seasons yet Winter is short and Spring and Autumn are long and luxurious. Enjoy the Spring!

loriann signori said...

Hi Bea, Thank you so much for your kind words...I am absolutely DELIGHTED that I could help you out of a painting funk! WONDERFUL! Thanks so much! Paint on! Loriann

Thanks Teri!!!

Hi Carol!! Thank you too for the support your comment gives me! I really appreciate it!

loriann signori said...

Hi NJ,
When I went out today I just took some watercolors and a bare basic set of pastels. Its amazing.. I realize I really don't need the right color just the right feeling.
Thanks for your support and I hope your painting momentum continues. Spring will be an inspiration!

Hi Lisa! Yes, you summarized it well, WOOoooooHOOooooo! Life is good!

loriann signori said...

Hi Shelia! Thanks for dropping by and for your kind words. Painting is my passion, my love, I can't dip out on it,.. now can I? That's how it feels. I really think it was the best medicine! cheers!

Hi Brian and thank you for all your support during this time! I think these paintings are heading in a new space...I can't wait to see! You are so right about plein air painting now being a whole new experinece!

Caroline Simmill said...

I have arrived here late but wanted to say how lovely the paintings are, it is interesting how colour really does create a different look and feel to a painting, both have a different mood. It is exciting work and you must be delighted to be experiencing painting in a different way.