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| Soft Skies 16" x 16" Painted papers collage |
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| Gentle Rain 16" x 16" Painted papers collage |
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| Before The Storm 2 16" x 16" Painted papers collage |
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| Before The Storm 1 16" x 16" Painted papers collage |
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We have had a lot of rain! The weather has been on my mind which shows in the above pieces. The first piece was inspired by my drive yesterday. The skies were full of these soft looking cotton ball type clouds. They looked so delicate. I tried for some colors that were reminiscent of what I saw as well as values that weren't too contrasty. The second piece is similarly inspired by the rain, sort of what I thought of as a gentle rainfall. The pitter patter type of drops, not the stuff that has actually been slamming our area. The 3rd and 4th pieces have more to do with how things are before a storm. It's just all what I was thinking translated into color. I hope the viewer sees whatever they want to see.
I haven't talked about my process in quite awhile. There are a number of reasons for this but I thought I might share a little bit now if anyone is interested.
Most of these collages start with a color combination idea based on something I have seen. It could be something I saw in the landscape or a thought I had about a particular subject. Sometimes it is just a phrase like "gentle rain" that prompts me to pick a group of colors that might represent that idea. The inspiration though is definitely something current- something I just saw or thought of.
I have shown my painted papers before. I try for a good range of 5-6 values of each hue. Additionally, I try to limit the hues-just a couple of definite colors and some related neutrals. I also try to keep the chroma for each hue the same (to have things appear balanced). I don't like to balance more than two color relationships at once. My preference is to have only one or two things that are dominant.
The paint gets mixed one hue at a time, with the values varying from dark to light, and then painted on to plain white artist grade construction paper. Lately I have been adding texture by scraping paint off with a spatula. Once the papers are all painted and dried, I group them into like values. This way things are organized.
The first process shot above shows how I start a piece. I start with a newly drawn or printed design (cropped from a previous piece) and transfer that to my painted white watercolor paper. Once the design is transferred, I select my colors and values. I cut little samples and place them on the white paper to see about color and value distribution. Once things look like they will work, I start measuring and cutting. I glue one shape at a time which can be seen in process shots 3 and 2. Along the way, I check black and white values with my I Phone. The best laid plans can go awry and sometimes I have to adjust what I selected-the chroma, value or hue is wrong. Whatever the piece needs, it gets. I can abandon my original plan in a heartbeat. Each paper shape is placed, glued and measured with a big square ruler. I try to get things straight but accept the "close is good" concept.
Though I often start with an idea of what I think will happen, I am surprised every time by the outcome. Even if it isn't what I expected I embrace whatever has happened. Keeping an open mind, for me anyway, is crucial to continuing. It's too frustrating to get stuck on an idea. Other ideas get overlooked as frustration sets in.
Lastly, you might notice that there are two designs above but four finished pieces. Lately I have begun using one design that I like to test out color ideas. This is another way to surprise myself, by seeing what one color does next to another or what switching up the value plan produces.
I like to think of this as painting with paper. Really, I use all of the skills (such as they are) that I acquired when painting directly. If I ever painted directly again I hope that I might have a better grasp on things because of this collage work.
Anyway, thanks for reading (if you made it) and for those of you being pummeled by the weather, stay dry and warm.
Libby
I like the hues in your work but I am missing the unexpected curves and unusual shapes you have used in the past. When I saw the small snips of color on the first process photo I got really excited because I thought you were going to use them in the work. I guess I'm not much of a straight edge person, so it is only my reaction, not a judgement of your pieces.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
DeleteHard edged geometric painting isn't for everyone which is OK with me. Glad you like the colors.
Hope all is well there. Lots and lots of rain here. Build the ark!
Libby
Libby thanks so much for sharing the process and concept of how you create your wonderful collages. I loved the introduction of violets in "Before Storm 2". Often times the atmosphere takes on a purplish color just about the time a rain is on its way. Glad to read you are getting moisture too because I know it is much needed in your part of the world. Take care and have a great week-end.
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
DeleteThanks for being interested in the process notes. I wasn't sure if anyone would want to read that bit.
The violet color is new for me and you are right, the sky can certainly appear to be that color right before a storm. It's surprising what is up in the sky isn't it?
Lots of rain, my goodness! We really need it though parts of CA have been overwhelmed. Should be a good snow pack this year too. Certainly better than the last several years.
Hope you are dry and well. Thank you for your kind words.
Libby
I love the colors in Before the Storm 2. We have those colors here in the desert and that could be why I really responded to it.
ReplyDeleteNeat to see your process. There must be something of an engineers vibe in you because you obviously enjoy the construction part. Somehow I thought you just picked up your painted papers and moved them around to find the perfect place...
but I see you have the carefully balanced foundation in place first. No different than a a painter doing a drawing foundation before starting their painting. Art is art.
I do think your color combinations are more sophisticated than what I can produce as I am painting. They are gorgeous.
Julie,
DeleteI have only been to a desert area a few times (plus I have read numerous books about desert areas in the West) but there is something about that landscape that really appeals to me. (do you know the work of Eric Merrell? I bet you do!) So even though I live here, the desert shows up somehow in my work!
At one point, most of last year, I was just adding shapes as I went so you aren't mistaken about that. I have done it both ways now and I would guess that a more experienced artist might be able to work with paper without a plan. (Though I think even Matisse had a concrete vision of the colors and shapes he wanted and planned as he went.) I still get surprised each time with how the colors interact, no matter the planning. I do like the plan though. I am a task oriented person. I blame it on my German/Danish background! LOL:)
I have really come to believe that what painters (and artists) look for with a signature style is really a direct reflection of their personality and preferences. When people talk about trying to pin down their style I really think that what they should be looking for are their preferences-color, edges, genre, size, etc. What do you like? How can you achieve it? What can your personality tolerate? Messiness, organization, spontaneity or planning? Your comment about the colors (and the fact that you teach) made me think of this. It's all stuff to consider.
Hope all is well. Thank you for your visit and comments.
Libby