Friday, February 24, 2012

Rusty "traumatic & offensive" lessons in painting

Rusty  Oil on cradled wood  6" x 6"  SOLD
I was impatient with this cat painting.  I had skipped middle tones, painted details too soon and made a fussy mess.  Feeling frustrated, I remembered a series of demos an instructor had given years ago.   He used to take a big brush and obliterate all details in a chosen student's painting...  He did it to demonstrate the virtues of correct values and big shapes.  At the time, it seemed both traumatic and offensive.  I realize now it made a lasting and worthwhile impression.  So, I took out my big girl brush and started "simplifying."  ...  Can't say I'm thrilled with the final painting, satisfied yes, definitely.  (:

9 comments:

  1. Actually, this one is very intriguing. The light on the ears is perfect. I like the softness of the painting.

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  2. Wow, Diane, I love this kitty!!! And your previous one as well. Wonderful.

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  3. What a great lesson for me and so well written Diane. I can see a Northern Lights book in your future.

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  4. Love it! the fur looks so soft..very realistic and a beautiful painting.

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  5. I like this one, very low light cat, lovely silhouette. Those of us who own cats know we step over shadows on the floor just in case... Nice.

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  6. It works! And the cat looking away adds a layer of mystery. The paws look so soft, I want to touch them. Makes me want to paint my own cat!

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  7. Before I read your post on this one, I was thinking how much I liked the simple and blended look of it. It totally works!

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  8. Before I read your post on this one, I was thinking how much I liked the simple and blended look of it. It totally works!

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  9. This is really beautiful and you most certainly seem to have captured the essential "cat" essence.

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