A Couple of Friends.....
....periodically fix lunch and invite other painters over for the day. They are all excellent cooks and for some reason they ask me over to these European style luncheons, sitting outside, drinking wine, eating good food and exchanging painting tips. How lucky am I?
When I arrived this bike was parked in the lawn and, since I have never painted one, it was an obvious choice. It was both challenging and fun to work out to a semi-successful finish. Much I like but, like usual, 'if I had it to do over again' I think I might have used some softer edges in places.
Probably influencing this writing is that I'm listening to a podcast from a very successful gallery owner on the topic of creating a consistent body of work. It gets to the question of what an artist is trying to say. It may not be a verbal 'say'; it can also be a visual one.
Some paintings, like this one, are for pure fun and experimentation....but at the same time I'm always asking the question of how it could be better and speak more clearly. How could it appeal to a broad audience without being a cliche or too gimmicky?
I think it would speak louder if some edges were subdued, letting the eye go more toward the bike. The changes would be small and the color wouldn't have to be altered much. That bush on the left has choppy strokes, for example, that draw the eye If I give it a try I'll post this again and let you see what happened.
Until then, Thanks for Looking.....and if you have a minute post a comment and tell me your opinion.
It was a very enjoyable afternoon!! Glad to see this painting finished! I like the choppy brush strokes and broken color. I think you have plenty of soft edges and most importantly the drafting and proportions of the bike are good. I wouldn't change much on this one Darrell! =] Second look, I might move the fir tree in the background a smidge to left or right..=]
ReplyDeleteWow - talk about color sophistication but the bike is definitely the star framed by the landscape perfectly. You nailed the bike and that was not an easy subject! Nicely done. My conclusion is that you should paint more motorcycles;)
ReplyDeleteWow - talk about color sophistication but the bike is definitely the star framed by the landscape perfectly. You nailed the bike and that was not an easy subject! Nicely done. My conclusion is that you should paint more motorcycles;)
ReplyDeleteThe painting is delightful, and it definitely looks like a Darrell Anderson piece. Not to worry—and lunch sounds fantastic!
ReplyDelete