Monday, August 8, 2011

kensington station and trust

Downtown Kensington with its old train station has a view that continues to keep me  fascinated. Each day I cross the tracks and think about the shapes and wonder about the different possibilities I have yet to explore.  The scope of the view includes both the train station and Mitzels' lumber yard. The best part about the view is looking towards the lumber yard. It faces directly west,  the sunset. I have painted this place so many times. It is one of my "painting homes" of which I will return for as long as I live here. This homing pigeon behavior inspires me to play and not paint "it." The concerns with making that real disappeared  years ago. Now I seek  a more abstracted, emotional response. 
My  next goal is to have at least 5 LARGE (at least 4x4') pieces for my next show. I have learned that for me, painting big requires a different type of color understanding. I feel better when I "practice" the possible color glazes and later move on to a larger format satiated with this exploration knowledge. It frees me.
This painting is 6"x6" oil on board.  Numerous plein air pastels have preceded it. This idea will grow to be another 4 foot square painting. In order for this to happen with some degree of success I know I need to paint through my intuition. My plans simply inform me of the direction.  I know that as I move on I must give up some measure of control and be willing to pursue unanticipated directions. Plan, but wait for the painting to speak to me. Each day I enter the studio I see on the door,
"An artist must come to trust if he or she wishes to transform, rather than merely record, what he or she witnesses." 
(Mary Sipp Green)
Doesn't that just say it all? 

17 comments:

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

This is beautiful... a strong linear and tonal composition, colour and warmth that I want to sink into... delicate lost and found edges. Definately one of my favourites. The painting feels a lot bigger than 6x6 and it will be interesting to see how the idea develops as you change the physical scale.

(Possibly one of the best quotes I've read.) - Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous broken colour and light in this..... I have full understanding of the words in your post today.

Casey Klahn said...

Yyyeeesss!

Daniel Balter said...

I like how you let the darker, cooler, underpainting show through as the orange darkens towards the top of the picture plane. I like how you portray objects with abstracted forms--this ability to simplify reminds me of the ancient chinese painting Masters, who could say so much with a few gestures in paint. Wonderful!

loriann signori said...

Thanks so much Lisa!I am delighted that you like the quote as much as i do!Paint on!

Hi Maggie! Thanks about my use of color. I am glad that my words resonate with you! Happy painting.

Thanks Casey!

Hi Daniel and welcome to my blog!
Good observations...I must confess that the cool is on top and the warm is underneath. Thanks for the comparison to Chinese painting.

Leah said...

I was shocked to read that this painting is only 6"x6" because it feels BIG already. Incredible sky!

Sarah S said...

fantastic! I love you work!

Diary of a Madd Weekly Painter said...

I agree with all the comments above. Wonderful work and to be so small ! I don't comment much BUT I do read 'em.

Brenda Boylan said...

Damn, Loriann, this is incredible! My eyes are wet with excitement with such heat and cool hints. Delicious!
I've found that when I translate a small study to a larger one, the materials have to increase in size too! Sometimes it takes on a whole new personality from the original study. Wow! Really loving this one... Keep it up and let us all know where and when this 'show' will be held!
:)
b

loriann signori said...

Hi Leah!!!!! I can't wait to take it big and it may even have a sister painting!

Hi Sarah, welcome to my blog! Thank you!

Hi Sue, Welcome to my blog and thank you for taking the time to comment. I wonder what will happen when it grows big...hmmmm.

Hi Brenda!
Thank you! You are too kind! Yes, as i work large I now have some really big brushes. Fun. As for the show, it is in April at the Waverly Street Gallery in Bethesda (right outside of Washington.) Thanks for dropping by for a visit. L

Ed Terpening said...

What more can I ask from today from a blog post: great art, thoughts, quotes. Beautiful work. I too can see this as a large studio piece.

loriann signori said...

Hi Ed! today was a hard day in the studio and then I get your comment-thanks for making my day. Each day I see more that it is all about trust (and some stored knowledge.) Happy painting!

Anonymous said...

Hi Loriann,
What a strong painting!! The composition, color, mood
all hit the mark. Keep on painting-do not ever stop. You have found those acres of diamonds in your back yard. The posted quote is your guide star.

NJ ART 73

loriann signori said...

Hi NJ!
The quote is delicious yet so hard to truly live by...why do we have those creepy little doubts? I am working hard..it's nice when one pays off now and then.Thanks for you very supportive words!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Oh yes, this deserves - no, demands - to be big. Such great light and colour. I can see why you keep returning to a scene like this.

Caroline Simmill said...

Really enjoyed reading your blog today Loriann. Very grounded in words of simplicity and truth. Your painting is a wee stunner!

loriann signori said...

Hi Jeanette and welcome to my blog! Thanks for your encouragement. I am building my wood surface now.

Hi Caroline!
It is a wee painting (I love that word!)Truth and listening/trusting our intuition is the hardest yet most important thing. You do it well! Paint on!