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| T.G.I.F painted acrylic papers on wc paper image size 12" x 16" matted to 16" x 20" |
Bright ideas right? I wanted to call this "The Balls Get Drunk" or "Lost Weekend" or even "Lime Heads." (Hey, if Green Bay can have Cheese Heads, why not Lime Heads?) Incidentally, when I was in high school we were made to watch The Lost Weekend starring Ray Milland. The movie was meant to keep us from drinking (it didn't) and looking back, I wonder now who decided that movie was such a great idea for some high school students to see! Anyway, public education in the '80s. Sigh.
The above piece was completed earlier this week. I struggled quite a bit with a couple of things. It's very easy to lose track of what I really want to do which is to learn about and to make a good composition. I got very caught up in the details and "making a picture" rather than composing shapes, lines and colors, if that makes sense. It would be like painting from a photograph and including the sign sprouting out of the cow's head because you had to reproduce the photo exactly. Or including every single blade of grass because it is there. How necessary is that to tell a story about a lawn? Focusing on the larger picture, so to speak, is key. Editing in a judicious manner is just as important. (Strictly my opinions, mind you.)
The other thing I learned (again) was about filling the space of the paper/picture plane. Is it important to cover every bit in an equal way? What about empty spaces? Are they too empty? Those questions quite often cause me to add smaller details that aren't necessary. The bubbles at the top are something else new as well. I wanted some curves to direct the eye and rather than do lines, I considered bubbles arranged in a curve. I did 5 smallish bubbles and then 4 larger bubbles. In my mind, the fewer but larger bubbles have the same presence as the smaller and more numerous bubbles. I also learned (again) about proportion of colors. Trying to use less of the purple (reddish violet) color and more of the greens (yellow green to bluish green) was challenging. The gray areas were meant to create a resting place as well.
Lastly, I admit to being unsure of this current direction that my painting is taking. When I painted directly, I became very concerned about filling in pre drawn shapes with paint. It must be a tendency I have because as I started this piece I felt like I was doing just that, filling in pre drawn shapes with color. It's very exciting to see the colored shapes appear on the blank paper though-nice crisp edges and beautiful vibrant color against the white of the paper. And then there are the little surprises along the way, things that you didn't know that you would be doing. The problem solving is challenging and the improvisation is a fun part of the whole process. I just don't want to get to the point where I am in paint-by-numbers mode. And I am unsure about how much more towards representation that I want to venture. This piece came close to being too literal, too tedious. So, food for thought.
Thanks for reading and if you have anything to add, please leave a comment.
PS-Don't forget about my still life sketching class next Friday. If you are local and can attend please let me know.
Libby
First of all I love this one. There are reasons that have nothing to do with art. I love margaritas being one. I love green and purple together being another. The composition is wonderful. It is full but because of the different sized objects not over full.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are saying about worrying about doing a somewhat paint by number, but you are not. You are deciding design and shape and color and composition. That is far from paint by number.
I would love to see you show one piece of all your styles in order of beginning until now. It would be an interesting study to see them side by side to both compare and also to find a commonality in them.
Thanks Barbara, you margarita lover you! LOL:)
DeleteThe colors were sort of a first for me. I ended up really loving the greens and purples together even though they aren't a combo that I gravitate towards. Just goes to show you right?
I did sort of a retrospective look at my work about a year ago. It was helpful and so maybe it is time for another look. It couldn't hurt and I think that sort of thing always tells you something important. Thank you for the suggestion-I'll just brew and chew on it!
Libby
The colors are beautifully harmonious, Libby , and the subject is a fun one.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed discovering the different drink glasses and limes.
I was sympathetic reading about your uncertainty with the current direction of your art. Wish I could help, but am afraid it is part of our journey. I have enjoyed several changes in my own direction over the years. Part of each one helped with the new one. No downside at all.
Have a great week.
Thanks Julie!
DeleteThe comment about the colors is important for me. I know you have a well practiced eye! I wasn't sure about things at first but trying to work with proportion seemed to help quite a bi to corral the colors into something I thought was organized. So, I will probably use the colors again but in a different combination.
And thank you for pointing out that there is no down side to going in new directions. I try to self reflect as much as possible, to really pay attention to what I am sensing internally. There can't be anything wrong with assessing what you are doing:)
Thanks as always for the visit and observations. Happy Wednesday!
Libby
Dear Libby - this is such a great piece. I think your composition and colors could not be better. Absolutely do not feel the paint by number thought. Your design works so well carrying the eye throughout. Never saw that movie - think I probably did not miss much!! Have a super day.
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
DeleteThanks so much for the encouraging comments. I was unsure if I would like the colors and as it turned out I really began to appreciate the combo. Who knew? I even came ot like the composition once I started tweaking it. Goes to show you right?
You didn't miss much with the movie I think. Funny that they made us watch it though. I think it was even presented in a chemistry class of all things. I wonder about my early education:)
Hope your week is going well so far. Thank you again for the visit.
Libby
I'm with the others, Libby, when it comes to color. This is a wonderful combination especially on white! To me, the white showcases the other colors and the shapes. It enhances an "open" feel but yet the design is cohesive and appropriately together. Does that make sense? I love the value of cool gray that you used. The whole thing brings a smile to my face. No one will ever pass by your art quickly, Libby. You have so much to peruse and wonder about. If there is a crowd around a painting in a show or another venue, those in the back waiting their turn will say, "Oh, that must be another of Libby Fife's paintings! There is so much to see in each one!"
ReplyDeleteCarol,
DeleteWhat a wonderful set of compliments, Carol. Thank you! It's especially important to me about the color because I struggle with it so much. It seems I may have hit on something this time:) Who knew? And I love the idea that anyone would stop to look at the work and know that it is mine and want to see what is there. Wouldn't that be such a fun thing?
Thank you again for your comments and support. It's helpful and means a lot to me.
Libby
I am loving the title "Lime Heads" and what an interesting piece! It feels like chaos is going on if I were to put any words to your piece. I find myself wishing I had a whistle like a referee or a gym teacher...I would blow on it long and loud and scream "line up!"
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of that movie, but from what you said I am guess it was like showing American Graffiti to a bunch of teenage boys with fast cars.
Happy for you about teaching a drawing class (previous post)!
Hugs Libby!
Lisa,
DeleteWhat a funny observation about the chaos and whistle blowing! These unruly ball heads keep popping up for some reason. Don't know what is happening on my end but here they are!
No kidding on the movie thing! Health and Safety class indeed:)
Hopefully the drawing class will go well. I am nervous about people relying on what I say but once I get going things will be fine:)
Take care and thanks as always for the visit. I hope you are doing well:)
Libby