Monday, November 14, 2016

Plein Air work for a large painting- the River

11x18 pastel
For me the process of starting a large work (64x48) takes a lot of think time. Even before touching the board I have to first develop a concept. That means painting numerous plein air pieces before something finally "calls me." The Potomac River is a frequent source of inspiration and I spend hours painting and walking in the early morning through dusk. After painting this particular view for a couple of weeks I finally had my idea.
How can something be so grand and imposing yet, soft, inviting and ethereal?

6 comments:

Suzanne Nicoll said...

I understand exactly what you are saying, about a scene "calling you". I have admired your work and lurked on your blog for some time now...it is such a rare thing for someone to be able to write as beautifully as you do and also be such a fabulous painter, thank you so much for keeping me inspired-I work full time as a product designer but paint at night and on the weekends. I often find a quote or some small thing on your blog that keeps me painting-thank you!
Suzanne
www.suzannenicoll.com

Unknown said...

oh I really like this painting and think it will make a wonderful large painting. It has a very gentle relaxing feel to it. I have never attempted to work on such a large painting but I think it would be so much fun.

loriann signori said...

Hi Suzanne,

Thank you for your kind words. Sometimes it's words like yours that I will look back to on a bad day in the studio.Thank you.

I admire your perseverance. Many(most) artists have some kind of "job" that keeps the mortgage/rent paid. The fact that you show up at night and on your weekends shows that you are driven to paint and that is wonderful.Have you ever read Elizabeth Gilbert's book "Big Magic?" Or listened to her podcast from Ted talks. I think you might like both. They inspire me.

loriann signori said...

Thanks Teresa. Working super large is a whole different thing...a challenge of new proportions. Give it a try and see. Enjoy and thanks for commenting.

Elizabeth Merchant said...

'The River' - a mood piece - just what the doctor ordered for this time of year.

As home is where the heart is - for some it is a patch of land - but for those who love the water - well this image tells us why - calm, relaxing and ever changing.

Haven't been back to your site since June. Happy I took the time. Have bookmarked your site. Kudos.

loriann signori said...

Thanks for the visit and the comment Elizabeth!