Colored pencil on BFK, 6.5” x 7.5”, 2011Candied Apples with color…
After adding color this morning, I’m reminded of a statement issued by a gentleman who painted our house years ago: “It ain’t the Mona Lisa ya know.”
The black pencil seemed to contaminate the layered colors, especially in the sticks of the apples. I was getting impatient and ready to work bigger before the sketch was finished.
Candied Apples grisaille…
Black Polychromos pencil on BFK paper. I enjoy the way the support and medium interact. We’ll see how it goes adding color.
Removing the image one step from precious by posting the drawing allows me to immediately see where revisions are needed. Interesting.
I completed the grisaille “watching” a movie with my husband, who generously encourages my creative efforts.
Corvidae
Oil on primed archival paper, 18 x 24”, 2010Today was intended to be an exploration of the much maligned black, however, I’m so conditioned by the traditional sanction of black I don’t even own a black oil paint. So, went to Payne’s Gray, technically a blue.
Primroses
Oil on primed archival paper, 24 x 18”, 2010
Primroses
With a limited palette of one cool and warm color from each of the primaries, the awareness today is remembering the different characteristics of opaque and transparent color and the realization of how the same quality is exhibited in zinc and titanium whites.
I had a better experience with the paper on this one and begin to see some advantages to the support.
While the painting is not what I’d call finished, I say it’s good enough. My favorite sister’s husband of almost sixty years died very unexpectedly today and my heart is heavy for her and not in the work.
Heart of the Rose
Oil on primed archival paper, 24 x 18”, 2010
I haven’t touched oil paints and a brush for ten years and I didn’t remember how sensual oils were. This piece turned out a bit more O’Keefeish than intended. The work is a start - or more a reacquainting. I’m not sure I like painting on paper - the response is definitely not the same as a brush on canvas - however, the votes aren’t in yet and there’s certainly time to explore the possibilities.
Blue Girl
Pastel on BFK, 30 x 22”, 2010
This is my favorite drawing of the past few months. I’m happy to have captured the model’s intensity. The piece is so powerful up close and personal, people are either repelled or fascinated by it.
'Tude
Pastel on BFK, 30 x 22”, 2010I enjoyed the way this model’s presence came through. I also found a new freedom to cut loose with the materials.