Well, I'm wondering, with all this planning, if I will ever paint this! But I keep telling myself all this planning and working out things is a good thing. Yep, a good thing...don't worry, it will make it a better painting, don't give up, don't rush through...you can do this! I think I'm tired because right now I'm not convinced.
But I did work on it today and got to the Great White Shape stage....
Larger tracings of the chair, the rakes, the woman. I made the woman in a reddish color because I traced her on the paper last and I wanted to see where her parts overlapped the chair parts.
Then I traced all that on the watercolor paper (140# Arches coldpress, 1/2 sheet).
Then I fiddled with the kudzu vine from photos I saw online (all in the public domain since they were a department of agriculture set made by agents in Georgia). I just have to place the vines and leaves around where I want them on the chair and woman and upwards above the dark railing.
And then I took another piece of tracing paper, laid it over the traced woman, chair and rakes, and tried creating a "Great White Shape," something Sandy Maudlin taught me after she learned it from John Salminen.
Sandy says a Great White Shape has to go off the page on at least 3 sides (mine goes off on 5); it has to have a diagonal thrust (check); and it has to be irregular/unpredictable in shape and size (check).
So, am I ready to paint?
Uh, no....
I next have to look at that Great White Shape again tomorrow (with fresh eyes) and make sure it's okay. Then I have to choose my dominant color temperature and what colors I want to use in the painting. Then I have to get that kudzu vine twinning around the woman and chair the way I want it - and onto the watercolor paper.
Then, and only then can I begin to put color to paper. So I'm looking at Wednesday...stay tuned unless you're so bored now you can't stand it - in which case, I'll share what I am planning on painting in class Tuesday (not this - something entirely different!)
8 comments:
How could you consider we would be bored. I say 'fascinating' and such patience and insight. Intrigued by the 'large white shape' - cant quite make out where that is going but look forward to seeing the entwined leaves. Its like being inside your brain as you develop your ideas - magic.
No doubt about it, all the plannng will pay off for you. I'll be watching to see what develops. :)
Hi Rhonda,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I was surprised and pleased to discover my blog on your blogroll. I've added you to mine and look forward to keeping track of what you're doing here. Happy painting and Happy Holidays!! -- Chris
Keep going - you WILL get there!
When our daughter was young and we made her do things she didn't want to do we told her "you are building character". She hated us at that time! But now she often thanks us because she can see how it paid off in the long run. So - you are "building character" by being so thorough even when you want to rush - and it will pay off in the long run!!!
p.s. Not bored in the least! I always enjoy how you aren't afraid to put yourself out there!
I am just loving this adventure. I have been telling myself that I need to settle down and take time with a painting. As of yet the vision hasn't fully developed. I am toying with chairs and chandeliers. I think, after school let's out for holiday break, I will attempt it. I think i will use your technique of using tracing paper and layering different elements one over the other.thanks for sharing you journey.I like all of the elements of your painting,can't wait to see the vine, sort of ophelia-ish
Joan, I had to laugh - you don't want to be inside my brain!! There are some scary things in there!
Ann, I hope you're right about the planning.
Chris, your work is lovely! I think I "found" you through Pablo's blog...
Deb, character??? What's that?? ha ha
Cathy, I'm looking forward to more chandelier paintings from you :)
Thanks, all for checking and commenting. Hopefully, I'll have more to add to this on Wednesday.
That red woman with the background is a neat image as is.
Thanks, Bill, wait until you see what it looks like on wc paper - well, that is, if it turns out!
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