Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Looking Beyond Lilacs... and the Obvious




In the last post, I portrayed a very personal interest in employing lilacs as a backdrop really in the votive memorial piece "Where Have All the Flowers Gone". I intentionally issued the lilacs a secondary role to other more important elements in the composition. I did this by decreasing attention to detail to the lilacs and by employing finer detail to the stronger red elements which really were the main focus in the painting. Here the use of lilacs supports a purely emotional resonse other than landscape value as was the case in the post before in Barriefield Village.

The second of three jpegs used in today's post again revisits a purely landscape interest and treatment, as is the most common approach in plein air usage. Plein air painting is much more than an outing to create one painting. It is an opportunity to be immersed in an environment that is stimulating... an environment that offers one the opportunity to see... think... smell and touch... an environment to hunt and to gather in. "Ideas" can be carried back to the studio to "trigger" deeper thimking and development of the theme... in this case "lilacs".

Two such studio extensions come out of this same plein air experience arise from two very different sources. The middle jpeg ... is a more traditional floral still life incorporates one of my "collectibles"... in this case a Crown preserve jar from my Mom's Kitchen "equipment". In this situation I have given emphasis to detail in all parts of the composition... in an attempt to visually link the notion of a lasting fragrance of Spring,2010... and of my Mom's memory....hence the title"Preserving Spring 2010".

The first of the three jpegs is a kind of "still life" that I captured in one of my early morning walks in the village. I noticed this old Fargo truck... a veteran of WWII... "re-tired" as a makeshift tow truck... and now ... fully retired to waste away amongst a lovely grove of fragrant purple lilacs. The two juxtoposed in contrast made "Me" think of.... "The Beauty... and the Beast".

Perhaps my Romantic side does run away with "Me"... some might say. But "I" would argue that the thematic way "I" approach painting keeps "The Flow" ever moving. "I" never am at a loss for ideas to paint... nor do "I" find myself needing breaks that often lead to vacant hours or much worse... discouragement or Self-doubt - the slayer of many artists.

So at the conclusion of "The Lilac Series"... I offer this approach as food for thought to anyone who might feel challenged by the "piece-by-piece aproach"... each done in isolation to the next. Might be worth a try!

Good Painting to all!

16 comments:

  1. Wow! Thank you for sharing your creative process as you planned your series of lilac paintings. I feel like I've learned something special here today. The paintings are beautiful, and the lilacs had exactly the effect on me that you had intended in each piece. You're a talented artist and an inspiration.

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  2. Always enjoy reading your thoughts, but the paintings keep me coming back for more. I especially love the piece with the truck in it. I love paintings with vintage autos and lilacs are my favorites of all the flowers. How beautiful to have them both in one gorgeous painting that just screams of yesteryear. I also loved that you used a jar that used to be your mom's. The thoughts you expressed with that painting are so warm and so wonderful. And the cottage painting is just lovely as well and makes me want to see what the place looks like inside!

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  3. Hi Katherine!... Thank "You" for the encouragement! The sole purpose of the blog is to share ideas... feelings... and process with "Those" who walk a similar and parallel path to my own.

    Hopefully "We" all are on a learning path... always growing... always changing as individuals and in our Art!

    If this blog helps another person... then it is worth the time and effort! Thank "you" for reinforcing my achievement of this goal.

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  4. Hi there Autumn Leaves!... Good to hear from "You" again!... happy too that the painting and written contents continue to please "You"!

    Hope that they might as well motivate on your own wonderful journey! "I" much admire the content and unique style "You" have developed in your own blog!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Beautiful work, Bruce. I see so many worthwhile elements in your work: dazzling patterns, intersting value shifts and wonderful compositions. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Thank "You" Diane!... For these gracious and encouraging compliments.

    "I" am glad that there are elements within my work that encourage and invite other artists to examine their own work process... to add to their already proficient skills... as is the case in your own wonderful work!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Brilliant! Each of the three are wonderful works. Bruce, it's late and past my bedtime, so please forgive me, for the loss or words to express how your words and works continue to inspire me. Thank you.

    All the best to you.
    Joan

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  8. Thanks for checkin' in again Joan! "I" always look forward to your visits and enthusiasm about "making art"!

    Love those special Sicignano florals! Great stuff!

    Good Painting... and Sweet dreams!.... Day or night time...HAHA!!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. wow you are so busy
    love to walk into your wonderful,painted,worlds
    so much wonder!

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  10. Thanks Rob!... For the visit and compliments!
    "I" am no busier than "You" my friend... nor more wondrous either!

    Sharing worlds ... ideas and friendship through the blog is a wonderful and uplifting tool for artists.

    One must be busy... productive... and often "alone" in the studio and outdoors. Painting can be the joy of a hobbyist... but is an avocation for an artist... a matter of choice.

    "I" always come away from visits to you site smiling... and better for the time spent there!

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. Beautiful paintings Bruce, I dislike being too busy not to check your blog. Great work Bruce! and thank you so much for commenting on my blow always appreciate your words.

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  12. Hi Jonathan!... Thank "You" for taking the time out of your busy schedule to leave a comment.

    "I" too look forward to our mutual visiting... and our "chats"! Stay the course... your work is exceptional in quality... because you are productive ... and "at 'er" daily. It will continue to grow... beyond its already advanced state.

    Good luck... and Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. Beautiful threesome, all very different. I especially like the truck, all weathered and worn with stories of it's own, if only it could speak.

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  14. Thank "You" Sue!.... For visiting... and for the encouraging comments.

    Marty's truck was my wife's favourite as well... but alas... it spoke to someone else too... and he carried it... and four other paintings home with him today.BONANZA!

    First rule for artists who paint for a livielihood is that your best work has to go out to clients... they're business cards on other people's walls.

    Thank "You" for the encouragement and your observations of detail.

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. An Antique Car in a painting!! you've got my attention!. You do beautiful work and look forward to your next painting.

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  16. Thank "You" Hilda... for visiting and for leaving this encouraging comment. I'll keep the "antique auto" in mind... just for your in the future!

    "I" love your rich... colourful and skillfully rendered pastels... simply beautiful!

    Good Pastel-ing!

    Warm regards,
    Bruce

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