Friday, January 21, 2011

THIS PAINTING MAY NEVER BE FINISHED



I have been struggling with the corn kernels.  Can't seem to get them to look finished enough without going all square looking (and that yellow ear is looking pretty dull - guess I could get out the white gouache and shape it a bit more).


I'm stepping back from this one for a while - until I can see more clearly and get those kernels right.  Maybe I should have left them loose???  (No, that's just the part of me that doesn't like problems!).





On to the Raven Rhythms painting and playing with design and color - much more my style :) 




Next stage to come later...I'll have it finished today.  I have 3 panels done and one more to go...

16 comments:

Christiane Kingsley said...

I really like the Shaker painting! I think that you don't like the corn because the cob looks a little flat, rather than rounded,tubular...perhaps adding the slightest little touch of shadow on the edges to suggest more roundness.

I know the feeling of wanting to stand back...You will come back in a few days with a fresh eye and you like this painting a lot more.

Carol Blackburn said...

Hi Rhonda, I love what you are doing with the Shaker still life. The corn is coming out great. I know you are not sure about it yet and maybe all it needs is a little darkening around the kernals in the shadow side....something to think about. You have done a wonderful job with this one so far.

jgr said...

WOW! I think your Shaker painting is awesome! I would say 'get a mat and frame it' but of course it's always good to step back and re-evaluate later.

Unknown said...

Rhonda, When you feel like getting back to the painting, rather than darken the sides alone, I think a little lifting of the color on the centers of the cobs will help you know where to go. Lifting the color will give you the roundness on the cobs. You could then apply a softened shadow edge to the cobs. Describe a few of the kernals with a little detail and leave the rest for imagination. I really like the shaker painting and the warmth you have painted in it.

Jane said...

Well Rhonda, you have done a wonderful painting, it would have been so easy to make a mistake which would have ruined the whole painting , but you didn't! And with your ability you will surely succeed in making the corn round. Have a nice weekend.

Ann Buckner said...

The others expressed my thoughts too on the corn as well as the whole painting. I'm enjoying this.

Ruth said...

Rhonda, this is a beautiful painting! Love the comp and the colors and shapes as well as this painting in general.
One thing you could try in addition to adding shadow colors along both sides of cobs, one darker and wider than the other.
Then to give kernels (which are actually more rectangular than round) shape, use a razor blade (carefully) and scratch out a little highlight (on light side) on each kernel.
You have the onions beautifully shaped with the lights and darks. I love the colors and how you've painted the corn husks.
Just beautiful!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Christiane, Carol, Jane and Linda. I appreciate your comments and suggestions. I know - I think I know - what to do to get that shape right in the kernels but right now my brain is saying, "You need to give it a rest because you're rushing it."

Thanks, Ruth, Ann, and Jane for stepping in and commenting on this with good suggestions, too. Ann, I so admire your delicacy with your iris painting - it's looking sooooo good! Glad you're past the flu, too.

debwardart said...

Bring in a little dark in the husks to bring our eye back up to the bowl - and then just darken a few of the kernels slightly off center on both cobs, going lighter toward the edges - doesn't have to be realistic, just paint enough that we know they are kernels and let the rest fade off??? (Sincerely, your bossy friend who did not use any exclamation points)

RH Carpenter said...

Deb, you're not bossy - just informative :) It was good talking to you yesterday.

Carlos León Salazar said...

Great works!! the first one is fantastic.

RH Carpenter said...

Muchas gracias, Carlos. Me alegro que te guste.

Carol King said...

I like the kernels on the corn. I think the Shaker still life is really coming along.

Great fun with the Ravens!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Carol :)

Carlos León Salazar said...

Great works!! the first one is beautiful.

RH Carpenter said...

Gracias, Carlos. Creo que la mayoría de la gente prefiere el uno - más tradicionales