Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Pod Painting

I finished another in my pod series, and this one is probably my favorite so far. It's rare for me to be really, really happy with one of my pieces, but this one does it for me (at least it does this week). I like the amount of negative space in this one and the way it is just one step away from being abstract. The focus on the solitary pod captures my mood for the month of July when I was retreating from all things social.

For those of you interested, here is the process I use, more or less--it's hardly a science.

I use 5 colors: Cad. red, Alizarin Crimson, Cad. Yellow Med, Cerulean blue, and Ultramarine blue, plus Titanium white. I start by loosely getting paint on the canvas. It's very watered down at this point and I let the drips occur naturally.


I decided I liked the canvas better flipped upside down, so rotated it and started loosely defining a pod. At this point, I knew I liked the idea of a solitary pod with lots of negative space all around it.

Bill Parks taught me to totally shake things up when I feel stuck. It has to be with big gestures--adding a bright color, painting out an entire area, something to completely redefine the painting. I didn't know where I wanted this to go, so I turned the canvas upside down again. I started toning down the canvas with grayed colors.

I started liking the composition, so began focusing on value and simplifying some areas. At this point I mix my paints with either matte medium or glazing medium to give them more richness.

Last steps are defining detail, intensifying or de-intensifying colors and values, and thinking about edges.

And close up:

10 comments:

Lynne with an e said...

I find this painting very pleasing. Beautiful subtle yet rich colours. I love the suggestion of the form without being entirely representational. Great to see your process as well--to boldy go, enjoy the trip, and trust that something will come from it. I often end up turning my work upside down once it's all finished. Will have to take time to explore backwards through your blog!

Emma Pod said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting! I love your pod and it's interesting to see the various steps and incarnations along the way. Is this acrylic paint? The layers are beautiful and subdued. I also enjoyed looking at your fabic pieces.

Sojourner Design said...

Thank you for your explanation. As a non-painter it was so interesting to read!

Diane

gerfiles said...

Great to see it grow/surface...

Dreamcicle Journeys said...

What a beautiful, watery pod. I love how the colors overlap and meld into each other. Thanks for sharing your painting process- it's very rich.

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

Hi Robin,
Thank you for coming to visit and I have enjoyed very much seeing your painting process.
Wonderful rich colour.
Bye for now.
Best wishes
Michala x

jackie said...

Thanks your comment. The drawing workshop sounds great and v. productive.

Leigh said...

This is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the process.

lynne h said...

ohhhh, this is lovely...

it's so generous of you to show your process. thank you!

lynne

Irene said...

I share a similar experience in taking Flora's workshop. I was never able to come close to completing it. I too do not have a problem with freely applying paint. I love what you did here and appreciate your explanation of William Park's technique. I think he might be a good instructor for me. Think you for sharing here in this post. It is most helpful!