Showing posts with label fronds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fronds. Show all posts

Monday, September 26, 2011

Salvage Operation

I was demonstrating how to paint insects; not in the capacity of being the principal in the painting, but rather a supporting role.   In my scenario these insects would occupy the role of an ancillary chop, to fill a void without destroying the ambiance of the painting.   If done correctly, this space moderator would add to the flavor, as in the use of fish extract in Wonton soup.

The first piece was initially a sketch done at a local nature park.  The fern struck me as a ideal subject to learn to "write" a painting.  The fronds present themselves as broad stroke lines that taper and convolute with grace.  At best, that was almost like a botanical study with calligraphic overtones.  I therefore used this sketch as an example of salvaging an otherwise plain painting by adding a little interest to it.

The other piece was a sketch of peony.  The original sketch had the floral petals "gou"ed  (outlined) .  It was an exercise in still life sketching with a brush.  I took liberty with the sepals and leaves, for a more cohesive presentation.  The coloring of the petals was an afterthought.  Unfortunately this is where I biffed.  I did painting by the numbers.  The outlined planogram tempted me to fill in the boundaries with color.    I committed the cardinal sin of  blocking in with titanium and not using it as a transitional member.  Thus the whole thing as a rather "plastic" feel to it.    Perfect candidate for OPERATION SALVAGE.   I used it as an example of how to revive your dead painting by adding a smidgen of interest to it, in the form of a grasshopper. 



Unto the bad painting, a shtick was given, or was it a straight man?