Color study for a larger work...Monument Valley
I decided to send my blog out as an email, rather than the old format of "Hot off the Easel". So this is still hot off the easel, but, easier for me to do. I am hoping the new format is ok with all you loyal followers.
First off I would like to thank you all for following me. I really appreciate the support, and the emails, from all of you so keep them coming. I often wonder who is really reading this stuff. LOL The mail is appreciated.
So, down to business. This piece came about in a backward kind of way. Rather than do the sketching, studies, and designing, I started this larger 30x40, on afternoon when I was feeling rather ambitious, and found that the painting was a bit overwhelming. I stopped. I think its because, as some of you know, that most of my work for some time has been Plein air, so smaller works, done in a a couple hours or more.. I find myself getting frustrated with the photo reference now. Not enough information. The darks hide the detail and the lights wash the details out. I have painted in Monument Valley before, but not this scene. The photo I have is awesome though, so that's why I just went for it. Every painting gets to that scary place, and mine usually go through it quicker than most. The fact that this one is so large, I could see that was not going to happen. I knew I needed more prep.
SO...Recently I decided to sign up for an online mentoring course through Tucson Art Academy, with Australian artist, Colley Whisson. Painting with an impressionist something or other...sounded good to me. (I needed a kick in the butt, to get my mind off other things going on) The first module required us to do a smaller work, with an "S" composition. Hum..what shall I do? I looked across the studio at the daunting 30x40 canvas I had started, and decided a color comp, to solve some of the problems, would be a good idea. DUH! Should have done that before...Oh well. I did the piece, and submitted it. The crit came back, nice painting but "simplify"...That seems to be a theme for me. So I did, some....(hey, it takes time to adjust...) and this is the end result. I am pretty happy with it, and looking forward to painting the larger piece. I am trying to hold off the larger works until my new easel shows up..which will be a long while, (boohoo) as there is a several month waiting list for them.
Let's see, update on other stuff in my world: I do have a life besides art...not much but there are some things.
We fish now.
Yes..Scott takes it more seriously, and actually holds onto the pole, and well, I sketch and look at the bobber now and then.. Its something we can do together and I am enjoying sketching the local scenery from the boat. The Lake St Louis Neighbors Facebook page is enjoying my posts, and ask that I continue, so I will. Hoping at some point to generate some commissions. I guess it is my way of fishing...I have had a few bites, so I am happy. Won't be doing catch and release for these guys though.
LSL Sketches from the pontoon
Yesterday, I went to St Charles, (One of the best places..my fav of little towns to go to) where there was a meeting of a newly forming group hoping to get chartered onto the Urban Sketchers organization. I have been searching for my tribe here and hit the jackpot, as a dozen other wannabe sketchers were there checking it out. Excited to start going out with them and learning about the area. Most are part of the St Louis Watercolor society, so going to sign up for that as well.
St Charles, MO
So things are going well here for now. Still uncertain what the future holds for us, but doing our best to get settled, and connected here in MO. I hope all is well with you all, and again, thank you for following me, and staying in touch.
Sending love and blessings to you all,
Gabriele
PS, be sure to go to my facebook pages...I have the pro one, and the personal. Thats how to keep in touch and see what is going on with the art thing in MO
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