"Winter Sunbathers" oil on panel 10x12 inches (original version)
"Winter Sunbathers" - (reworked)Note highlights on snow touched areas such as window ledges , manure spreader and more clearly defined tree crowns
"Huddled in the Afterglow" - oil on panel 10x12 inches (original version)
"Huddled in the Afterglow" -( Reworked version)
" Down the Lane" - oil on panel 10x12 inches (original version)
"Down the Lane" - (reworked version)
"Huddled in the Afterglow" - oil on panel 10x12 inches (original version)Note the addition of light to the foreground branches and the tips and trunk of the middleground white pine to add additional lighting effects.
"Huddled in the Afterglow" -( Reworked version)
" Down the Lane" - oil on panel 10x12 inches (original version)
"Down the Lane" - (reworked version) Note that the diffuse light in the original is replaced by a heavy and direct lighting from the left which elevates contrast and colour.
As with apres-ski... when one requires a bit of down, or away time and relaxation after the rigours of the slopes... to allow the body to warm and the muscles to relax. In outdoor painting, it is always good to allow a period of time to reflect upon the sketches/paintings which one has brought in from outdoor sources... to weigh the need for possible changes.
It seems senseless to lose all of the freshness created from firsthand observation... but it can also be argued that often one has time constraints imposed by rapidly changing light conditions and the effect of cold upon the paint application which limits the potential for a better painting. Being away from the actual subject offers the opportunity to include personal flourishes in colour and brushwork which closer relate to creating than merely trying to copy what is in front of you.
When I first posted my last sketches untouched as they were fully completed en plein air... I received many comments that remarked about their fresh and spontaneous quality. A few urged that I not change them at all... fearing that something might be lost from their first appearance.
It is at this point that the artist must decide for him or herself to add or hold. Ownership is the purest part of creating. Advice should always be listened to and carefully weighed and considered. However... final chlices hoices surrounding the making of art should not be given over to others... no matter how close they may be to you.
I have posted the three previous works in pairs. The top in each case is the original form... the one below the reworked version. I felt that each piece needed a bit of additional attention... and the very last one... a major shift to regain a sense of light and colour that simply wasn't there on that particular day. I am pleased with all three. I hope that I haven't disappointed any one with my changes... but I truly am satisfied with the results because I followed my own intuition. They're signed!
Good Painting to ALL !
Hi Bruce, I think the extra details have all been improvements; especially on the last one, which now has more depth and form.
ReplyDeleteI think it's possible to get so absorbed in faithfully recording a subject that you can miss something that detracts from the painting. Surely it's better to have a fresh look at it later and make some minor improvements.
I've noticed, as you probably have too, that there comes a point with plein air work, where I find that I am looking more at the painting than I am at the subject. At that point it probably doesn't matter if the painting is finished in the studio. I think the important thing is to make the initial statement outdoors, to the point where we become thoroughly familiar with the subject.
All the best,
Keith
Hi there Keith!...Thanks for visiting and for the very strong points that you've made about the plein air process!
ReplyDeleteI agree... that at some point in every outdoor painting session... attention seems more to be focussed upon the painting than the subject. That is a healthy indication that one owns the process and is not necessarily governed by what lies in front of them.
I find... as I've aged that I do miss things... or am hurried more by the cold... especially in deep winter. I actually enjoy sitting with the work looking at it without a brush in hand... then after a few days adding a stroke here and there... if I feel it is necessary.
In earlier days... what arrived back home... went out to the world that way. In looking closely at the few that remain around... there must be a lot of "shaky" pieces out there! HA HA!!
Times... and methods change! Really enjoyed your valid input Keith.
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
ReplyDeleteI will give this another try. I love all of these post. But after seeing what you have done by reworking each one, they are great.
Another lesson learned from you, if a painting needs some reworking, I will give it a try.
Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful post.
Have a great weekend
Joan
Love the reworks Bruce. In every case you've added and not taken away and I find the changes to the last one to be quite outstanding.Fine work.
ReplyDeleteAll the best
John
Very interesting to see all the improvements, especially to the last one, although I liked it in its original form, I love it now! I think the art is in recognising exactly what a painting needs to improve it. I sometimes feel I wish I had another set of eyes to point out what is lacking or what needs to be improved in my paintings, would be very helpful, sometimes one can't see the wood for the trees.
ReplyDeleteHi there Joan!... Glad that you persevered with making these comments!Thanks for visiting!
ReplyDeleteGlad that you like the reworked pieces! It is much more important to respond to your own inner voices Joan... but... in concert with the suggestions of peers whose work you admire. Sometimes that "third eye" has a more unique and unfettered association with the work... and reinforces your own evaluation.
I know that often... I could run on and on with a piece... and end up disliking it in the process.
"Ya gotta know when to hold!" (Kenny Rogers)
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi John!... Thanks for your visit and the vote of confidence in regard to the reworked changes!
ReplyDeleteThe last one really was flat and lifeless to me on location. I was simply unable to upgrade the light because the snow was the only source of light in the painting... and the whole compositional strength was lost in the flatness of the landscape.
The white was laid... and would simply grey up worse... the more one played around in it.
When one has many years of outdoor painting experience... features such as lighting can be recalled... and created out of the many times one has seen light play over the landscape. The day might be different... but the rules remain in place!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi there Diana!... Thanks for visiting and for leaving your own personal views and observations for others to read and perhaps respond to!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Being able to recognize where paintings fall down... or are weak is the first step to improving. The second part however... and more important part... is to take the courage to jump in bravely... and to commit your Self to the path you believe in!
What is one painting in the overall scheme of things?... versus the opportunity to discover that you indeed have that "second set of eyes" necessary... to work in concert with your hand to create a better picture! What a rush!
Glad that you liked the change... as I do!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi Bruce... I really like the Down the Lane Reworked version... it's my favorite. You are so prolific and paint so well even your first versions are beautiful.... but I think you've made improvements in them all.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy my visits here... Thanks!!
Hi there Marian!... Thanks for your visits... observations and positive comments - all of them! I much appreciate your opinions and your very own Fine Art!
ReplyDeleteI think that "Down the Lane" emerged all the better for the exercise... which makes the entire exercise worthwhile.
I hope that you will continue to visit regularly... as you do and that the work continues to offer you enjoyment.
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Beautiful works and re-works, Bruce!
ReplyDeleteHi there Linny!... Thanks for your confidence vote and enthusiasm! High and meaningful praise... from a peer whose work I admire in the same manner!
ReplyDeleteGood Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
All of these paintings have gained a sense of light. Well said and well done Bruce!
ReplyDeleteAs for Deb. Her creations are wonderful and i particularly like the unique stained glass windows!!
All of what you have said here in part one and part two is right up my alley and well written!
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hello the Mary!... Our Christmas Blessings and Joy to "You" and yours... from The Paint Box Gang!
ReplyDeleteThis is the joy of our blogging Family connection! We share a common passion for all things good in the world... Art... People who are positive... and Family! All the rest falls under "trivial pursuit"... pardon the pun! HA HA!!
Thanks for all of your visits Marian and your encouragement! I look forward to sharing more of the same with you in 2012!
Good Painting!... and a Jolly Holly!
Warmest regards,
Bruce