The above sketch is for the painting that I am currently working on. As I was making the sketch, I had to think about that back right area. In my original photo that area is actually a trailer park with a hodge-podge of buildings, trees, and bushes. While the idea of a trailer park fits in with this area, it was just too fussy for me and detracted from what I was really interested in, namely the sign, the building, and the lines. I guess all I am saying is that in my opinion, not every feature can take center stage and there are lots of ways to "subordinate" items in your work. I would also mention something about the sketch. I use it as a guideline for important stuff like lines and the structure of buildings but I reserve the right to change things as I move along; sort of like "on the ground" editing. I also named the part of the process where I move away from the exact sketch to come up with a way to do something different. I call it "the point of departure." This is the most exciting part because I feel like I am drawing on a reserve of sorts of things that I have learned or seen; like I am drawing on a skill or stored up knowledge. Know what I mean?
Here is a shot of where I was on Wednesday. This is Murphys Park in Murphys of course! There are lots of little gold rush towns in my area and Murphys is one of the best developed and the most visited. People live there too of course and the side streets and park are as much of an attraction as the small downtown area. I took a seat at this picnic table to do a quick sketch. We are enjoying the mildest weather and as I sat there in the sun, I was almost too warm if that can be believed. Incidentally, I would like to make this picture into a painting. I am not quite sure if I can pull it off so something to chew on:)
Lastly, this is a shot of a part of my afternoon walk at Hogan Lake. There has been a lot of activity on this trail lately; partly due to the beautiful weather but also because of the New Year. I am willing to bet that more than one person is out here exercising because of a New Year's resolution! We''ll just see what happens when it starts to rain:)
OK, hope that everyone had a creative week. Let me know what you are up to if you can. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Libby
It was inevitable that you would do a piece on this place, Libby! I'll bet it turns out very well! The way your composition is divided, it reminds me of the work of this artist Brian Cobble who does these exquisite urban landscapes in pastel.
ReplyDeleteWhile Florida is back in the 70's again today, we had our first cold spell lasting a few days. I left home yesterday bundled up in heavy sweats, and as soon as I walked out the door I knew it was a mistake, but didn't have time to change into something lighter. I felt like I was having hot flashes in the quilt shop where I went to meet a friend!
You drawing is wonderful and I am excited to see you immortalize that sign!
ReplyDeleteWith all your paintings and photos I am getting a real feel for where you live now. It is so interesting and different from what I usually think of when thinking of California.
Your last photo is really nice.