Here are the first examples of '100 Series' Plein Air Painting. Let the discussions begin! This day was a beautiful clear beach day in the low 70s. The air was very still along the northern California coast, the sun was shinning, it was about 1pm in the afternoon. Nice scenes were available in several directions. I chose this one to tell the story of this young couple at rest after a fun morning of surfing. They are organized with their supplies and shade tent. Their chairs were carefully chosen for relaxation. And they are obviously in sync with each other. Ok, on to the more technical part.
The first photo is the actual scene, the next is the initial sketch,the third is the block-in of darks, lights and a hint of the local color. The fourth photo is more local color added. Still unfinished, and may stay unfinished, this example is meant for analysis. So let's get started. First I will step back and analyze the stages. You are welcome to follow along. After a couple of days, the next post will offer insight on drawing, values, color temperature, edges and composition for 'At Rest'. Constructive comments welcome.
What is working in 'At Rest', well, I had a lovely time at the beach. The couple gazed a long time at the ocean, their surfboard and shade tent nearby, all beckoned to be painted. The scene conveyed a contented pair relaxing by the water following a morning of surfing.
Did the design and drawing work? The subject and supporting elements are no longer at eye level. Eye level is somewhere up near the distant mountains. The planes are somewhat foreshortened. Had the planes appeared expansive, distant and far-reaching, the sense of relaxation would have come through. The background, middle ground and foreground values are very close creating a somewhat flat appearance. The edges in each plane are the same also creating a flat look.
This is a simple design that has me much perplexed. It will continue to challenge me. I will solve the problems and triumph!
Knowledge proceeds skill. Next is 'Evening Train in La Selva Beach'
I'll be interested to see where it is headed, don't make all of us wait too long for next post.
ReplyDeleteAnalysis is always a matter of asking (yourself) the right questions first in order to identify any problems. Without identifying a problem you have no where to go.
What am I trying to say or suggest?
What do I want the viewer to see?
Are the 4 elements competing with one another?
Does this composition say rest or does the eye bounce from one element to another with no focus, resulting in movement?
Then asking, what do I need to do in order to solve the problem(s)?
Do I solve by design, value, color etc.,... what element(s) of art and design?
Keep it (the solution) simple, it's a simple composition. Don't over think it.
Look at the reference, the drawing and the painting (at each stage)...
What did I start with? Is the painting going in the right direction? Am I straying too far from my intent?
I did not provide any answers, only questions (at least for now)... learning to see and solve on your own is a vital skill.
Keep painting,
David
Great information. Took me a few days to understand it. Knowledge proceeds skill, dang!
ReplyDeleteDavid, answers are good.
ReplyDelete