Wednesday, April 6, 2011

How much information do you need?

9x9 pastel  and watercolor on Uart
How much information do you need to read landscape? I was able to complete this much on site last night before I had to leave to go to a meeting. When I left I thought it was incomplete.  Now I think, how much do you need to "put in" and what is superfluous? Rather than just add more I will let it sit and think then add if necessary.

18 comments:

Casey Klahn said...

I certainly don't know the answers to the questions, but I do know they are good questions.

I like.

SamArtDog said...

I've learned a lot from you in the past couple of years. Watching your willingness to adapt and change is the biggest lesson yet.

Donna T said...

I like the mysterious feeling of this one. I'm not quite sure what is in those dark areas and like making up my own story.

Brenda Boylan said...

Is there a 'LIKE" button on this thing, cuz I love the simplicity of it!
As once posted before on the net: "The greatest sin an artist can be accused of is telling people things that they already know." I think it was Casey who posted this quote from ???, but now sure who it was. Casey??
Anyway, I'd keep it as is. 'LIKE'

Jeanette Jobson said...

Quite often the eye fills in what isn't there and we sometimes provide too much information to allow imagination free rein.

There's a lot to be said for simplicity and letting the eye rather than the artist guide the viewer.

A little time away from it, as you had, gives a new perspective on whether it is complete or incomplete too.

Anonymous said...

Hi Loriann,
I love the sense of mystery about this painting. I think that an artist should present just enough information to state the case and let the viewer complete the painting.
I like paintings that have a sense of ambiguity because it keeps me coming back. I once went to a lecture on George Inness. The lecture was in conjunction with an exhibition of his paintings at the Thomas Cole house. The lecturer mentioned regarding one of Inness's paintings how he liked for viewers to guess what a particular brushstroke was meant to represent. Always keep them coming back for more.......

NJ ART 73

loriann signori said...

Ah, hi Casey! It's the forever question, eh? Wish I knew the answer. I do know I am preferring to pull back and give less and hopefully mean more.

Hi Sam and thank you for your kind word! I am humbled to learn you can learn through my fumbling!

Hi Donna..that's perfect, making up your own story!

loriann signori said...

Thanks Brenda! I "like" the quote too!

Hi Jeanette, I don't think we have met, yet. You are so right about how we fill in the "blanks." Simplicity is the goal. Time away will tell. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.

Hey NJ!!
Ooooh, you are lucky a lecture on George Inness. I like that "game" guess what the brush stroke means. I agree completely ambiguity keeps you coming back. I am glad you keep coming back!

Double "D" said...

Hi B,
Great piece, wonderful colors and masterful
strokes. Umm, how much information does it
take to tell a story? Enough to convince the eye
and the brain that it's beautiful and suggests something real. It's then that they discover it's
a multiple choice painting. There is no wrong answer
to what it is and the mind is left to fill in the blanks.
It's what you want it to be.
pb.

loriann signori said...

Thanks On- the-Road PB, Sounds like you too have given this topic some thought. A multiple choice painting...hmmmm. This topic and luminosity are my struggles right now. Safe travels!

Celeste Bergin said...

This has an old world quality for sure...I really love it

Nika said...

I love the quality of the mark here, it almost crosses over to watercolor.
To be honest, it doesn't look like it needs anything. Quite perfect.

loriann signori said...

Hi Celeste! An old world quality... hmmm that sure sounds interesting! Thanks for stopping by to comment.

Hi Nika,
Oh that sounds good. You know that I am constantly thinking about the quality of mark and luminosity. I will leave it be for now.

Jala Pfaff said...

This is very cool.
I am always a fan of suggestion rather than too much detail.
Hi to the kitties.

loriann signori said...

Hi Jala, Thanks! It's that fine line, isn't it? The kitties say hi back ..they are getting soooooo long!

Brian McGurgan said...

This feels complete, Loriann, and is a recent favorite for me. You're composition and handling here reminds me of Whistler's Venice pastels - spare but purposeful marks and suggestive forms and spaces, with just enough color to give a richness to the representation. You've also let the tone of the paper show through and play a part in the color and value structure of the drawing. Two thumbs up!

Jala Pfaff said...

Ha ha, that always cracks me up, how kittens first elongate, and then later grow taller. :)

loriann signori said...

heehee Jala, they are rascals! When I cook Luchianna goes on tope of the fridge, lies down and hangs her head over the side. She will then watch my every move!