I've long held the alla prima axiom, "a brushstroke laid is a brushstroke stayed" as a discipline that has lent itself well to building confidence, judging proper color and accent quicker...aiming toward efficiency, especially since I paint plein air so often...
This one I started last night represents what I've been doing with my paintings of late, areas I'm exploring...namely broken edges. I still pretty much start with the alla prima approach, but then after the session use paper towel, handle end of a brush...a dry brush, and break up the edges. Exploring how much the edges can be broken...and still come off coherent.
In a sense...I am finding the effect more realistic, as it seems to suggest atmosphere, pushes things where they need to be in space...and anyone painting outdoors knows that nature is not stagnant, but is always in a state of transition. The broken edges seem to read that for me...light flickering, movement, air...etc. as if "time" is part of the subject to be captured. Not a frozen moment in time...but one that breathes.
Such in now way precludes I am suggesting others do the same...as everyone's art is different, and likely also in a state of transition! :wink:
Its just what I'm playing with right now.
Here is an image that shows a closeup of my session's end last night following teaching, and what I mean when I say I intend to "destroy" my work. How much I'll build back up, destroy again I don't know. For now I think I'll know when it feels right...but with experience should become more intuitive I would think...
(as always, click image to see larger view)
3 comments:
I like the new paintings, Larry, and it is interesting to see your new approach. So far in my learning, I have not been able to "get" that "brushstroke laid is a brushstroke stayed" axiom that you and so many other great painters teach. I mean, I understand it, but it does not come naturally to me. Maybe because I paint in acrylics--I like to layer. Anyway, all to say that it is nice for me to see a teacher giving credence to another way of doing things, so thank you for sharing your process.
Thanks Meredith. I understand...painted acrylics only from the late 70's to early 90's..blcking in flat color, then transparent layering/rendering with smaller synthetic rounds, almost a line hatching technique...200 hours on average to do a painting, and built my wildlife art reputation on that. Loosening up came later adding gelex, (now called Liquitex Extender gel medium) and thickening the acrylics for impasto. Started painting on canvas...and one gallery owner first thought they were oils. Switch to using oils more would follow...
Appreciate time to comment, thanks
Thanks for mentioning the mediums you used. I am just starting to experiment to find one that will add to my process. There are so many choices!
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