Thursday, May 19, 2011

skies and memory

10x23 pastel and watercolor on Uart
watercolor underpainting
I have learned that sky paintings from memory are much more "real" than the paintings I often do in plein air. Yesterday I walked to the Safeway parking lot in Kensington, bought a Starbucks chai and watched. And what a show it was! During the day I would take time to think about that sky and make a mental picture. Later, when I was finally at the easel this just rolled out of me. The image was firm my mind.
I also know how skies are built, so I began with a simple underpainting of the graduating sky colors. I can easily see this one as a 75"x30" painting. Can you?

This morning I painted outside with dismal result. It was more satisfying to simply finish the memory painting.
I have a plein air event in 2 weeks. Maybe I should jut watch then turn the easel around and paint. Hmmmmm. Maybe.

8 comments:

Casey Klahn said...

Yes, I totally see this one big.

SamArtDog said...

I do, too.
Oh, I hope you do WWP (Watch Wait & Paint) at the plein air event. You'll confuse some, teach others and delight them all!

Donna T said...

Wow, this is an amazing slice of sky, Loriann! It would be gorgeous if you super-size it!

Double "D" said...

Awesome B,
gorgeous sky and the hint of objects totally changes the perception in your paintings. I like the prospect of seeing more of these memory paintings.
pb.

loriann signori said...

Thanks Casey for your vote! I think it will go on the list of possibilities. I love the long vertical.

Hi Sam! I love it WWP. My new mantra. I sure would confuse them...
especially on the Quick Draw!

Hi Donna... super size it..heehee. Thanks about my slice!

Hi PB, hint of objects makes the whole idea of size, eh? They are so necessary to my vision (for now.) Life has been really crazy, i am so infrequently online, on blog or on other blogs because I am so busy and I need all the painting time I can get. I will be writing you soon... I have not forgotten. -b

Caroline Simmill said...

Hi Loriann I can see this at a large size, it is a powerful work and I believe the large canvas would have plenty of impact.

loriann signori said...

Thanks Caroline!!!!!

Kim McCutcheon said...

I love this painting. It feels like a breakthrough to a personal statement.