Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Tranquility piece

It's been ten months since I worked in my studio. Nesting priorities, come first at this stage in my life. But what was working against me getting back in there, was having my studio overtaken with remnants of a quilt project, and anything else we cared to dump, when visitors were expected

I did a massive clean recently, and reclaimed my creative space. To mark this special occasion, I selected a subjected matter, I hoped would create a sense of tranquility and reflection, in my new space.




I found a picture online, of a young girl, playing with water from a jetty. But she had a frilly skirt on, and I wanted to create a lady. So I sketched with charcoal, something more from my mind - using the online image for cues.

I started with hot pick and green acrylic paint, for a more abstract use of colours. But the more I added, the more I found the pink burning into my retina. I wanted something more tranquil.




Using white gesso, helped me tone back the pink, with just a hint remaining. I could probably play with this piece some more, but figured it went against the tranquility I was aiming for. Too many details would have forced me to concentrate, more than I actually planned to.

So I leave it on my wall as a reminder, not to force creativity. Just accept it, how it flows sometimes.

Materials used: watercolour paper, charcoal, gesso, acrylic paint and water soluble, artbar.

5 comments:

  1. Yes, definitely more tranquil without the pink. Keeping it simple means you don't wreck it by continually fiddling with it. Just one question....could the background shrubbery have been curved around slightly, instead of being a straight line, to bring the eye back to the girl?

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    1. Shading in the water, could have given a more arch appearance to the background. for sure. I recognise, I left the background flat unintentionally. But when I thought of going in to fix it again, I let it go. Because I was hoping for a contrast between the background and figure. I wanted neither the coloured section, or the charcoal, to take presedence. They had to nestle together.

      The only way that seemed to work, was by dialing back the details. It's an experiment though. But I take your point about the strong diagonal line in the background. It takes you off both sides of the page, instead of circle you back to the centre figure. :)

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  2. I like this a lot. For only using a model of a girl as a guide your grown female figure is very well proportioned. And good choice with the pink.

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    1. Thanks Linda. I find when I'm popping into the studio lately, re-organising the room (again) for Christmas, I stare at the water, like she is. Just to steady my thoughts again. I can see why water pictures, sell very well in the art community. If you're going to buy a piece of art, why not have it relax you! :)

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  3. Very true. I suppose it drops ds on the room. I love Turners sea scenes but they are stormy and emotional. Lol.

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