Monday, September 24, 2012

memory on fire

about 20x16 pastel

Finally, my memory has been set free. There are just a handful of places I paint each day. After years of painting there, day after day, I know these places in every season and weather. It truly is time to stop looking and only respond. That said, this is my favorite spot on Lake Needwood at my favorite time, sunrise. I feel a shift happening.  I have been writing down the color combinations that I see and just playing with my pastels in the studio.
about 20x16 pastel
One big change, I now paint in my studio with the lights off. I have a full northern exposure (a 24 foot wall of windows), but still I was always craving more light. Recently I have noticed that my paintings, when put in another lighting situation, that isn't gallery light, just don't look as good. That doesn't seem fair to the people who purchase my work. I think the answer is to paint with less light on my canvas/paper. When painting outdoors we use umbrellas to keep the sun off our painting surface... or else the painting becomes too dark. Now I wonder about indoors, thus the lights off policy.
Now, I wonder if I made it too light. hmmmmmm.
I am playing with the dreamy combinations.

Check back tomorrow for another post...this time the topic is about framing.

10 comments:

Donna T said...

These are so soft and atmospheric, Loriann. Beautiful, emotional work!

loriann signori said...

thanks so much Donna!

Celeste Bergin said...

well, they look just right to me. I've never thought about turning off lights--I might well try it! Love the colors in both....most especially #2

loriann signori said...

Thanks Celeste!
It is hard to get used to, but I think it is helpful. Tell me what you think if you try it.

Unknown said...

Wow!!! to both but I prefer the colours in the top one.

loriann signori said...

Hi Leah,
I hope you are feeling much better. Thank you about the pastels. I am really excited about what is happening!

Flora Doehler said...

I love everything about this post. The images and the words.
Your painting is wonderful…always. It is so Turner, but with warm and lush colours.
That is interesting what you say about lighting because it really does change the way a painting looks. I always prefer natural light, but when the day is overcast or the low light of winter is a challenge.
And I know what you mean about 'knowing' a place that you've painted many times. That familiarity becomes etched in your being and flows out of your brush. There was a lake I used to paint and as you know with water especially, it is forever changing and different.
Thanks for your blog. I've been following it for years. :)
Flora

loriann signori said...

Hi Flora,Thank you for your kind comment and for following my blog for so long.
I see we share the love of water. Water and sky, the two yummiest things from which to get inspiration!

Unknown said...

Good post. I've been doing a series of evening landscape paintings, and it has been difficult to capture the right values. I did notice the difference depending on where I hang it to look at it. Hadn't really thought about my set up lighting. Thanks

loriann signori said...

You are welcome Kevin. I found it funny how I took the set up for granted. My change has helped me...let me know if a change helps you too.