I did start the beginnings of a small painting on holiday. I was actually away skiing so did not expect to do any art work, but one year I could not ski for a couple of days and was really glad of a piece of paper and a pencil, lent by a fellow artist. Since then I have always taken a minimum of stuff, just in case. No accident this time, just the need to stop a bit earlier in the afternoons now that I am beginning to feel my age. If I decide to finish it I will share it with you later.
I did go to Art group this week, but was not over excited as the subject was buildings and as you all know, this is not my thing at all. Because I rarely paint such subjects, I have very little source material to call upon.
A thorough search. and I came across a booklet of lovely pictures of Maine USA and found a snow scene which in light of my holidays seemed appropriate.
The resulting painting is in no way as exciting as some of my recent florals, but at least I was not too disappointed even though it is too figurative for my taste.
Lighthouse In Winter, Maine USA
I have yet to find a way to paint buildings and even landscapes in the same way as I paint flowers and still life. My intellect tells me they are all just shapes and should be treated the same, but emotionally, I find it very difficult. Maybe I need to practice more and find a painter whose work will inspire me!
It's a lovely painting. Isn't it funny how we all have something we prefer painting. I'm landscapes not lovely flowers like you. I love to try other things once in a while, though
ReplyDeleteThanks Polly. Thank goodness we are all different,it makes life's rich pattern. I love looking at loose landscapes etc, but just do not seem to have the vision to paint them loosely.
ReplyDeleteI am at the same point as you Yvonne (though my flowers are nowhere near as good as yours), have managed an odd loose landscape but seem to only be able to successfully do flowers, some still life and some animals loose... have had many abandoned attempts at buildings and streetscapes since xmas and nothing has really worked, like you can only manage a tight version at the moment but a working on it!! Will let you have the secret if I discover it!! I do think in a streetscape I need to simplify a lot more than I do and really only add detail around the focal point the rest needs a much looser treatment than I am giving at the moment....hmmmm
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to know that I am not struggling alone, so thanks for the comments. I think we need to do more, but I find it difficult to constantly fail at loose landscapes when I could be painting florals which are my passion. Although these compulsory subjects appear on the group programme and have to be tackled, I am just glad that some of my paintings are enjoyed by so many.
DeleteA nice scene Yvonne, I too am chasing landscapes which I love but cannot do them justice and frankly I should practice them more. Your florals are so beautiful and I am sure there are plenty of landscape painters who cannot do them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments Lorraine. I am sure you are right about more practice, but except for the compulsory club subjects, I think I will stick to what I love most.
DeleteA really nice little painting Yvonne, as you know buildings are my favourite subject but it's good to try something outside your comfort zone every now and then, hope you had a good Holiday.
Deletehanks Brenda, lovely to hear from you. Holiday was great, thanks and hope you are both fine
DeleteYou should do more of these, this one works really well. Love the subtle shadows that are just discernible in the snow. I'm also a big fan of the subject matter, having spent some time painting the lighthouses of Maine.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mick, will always do these when the programme demands, but cannot get too excited about it, although not sure why not!
DeleteIt's a good thing to try something different and once again your ability shines through.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter. I am surprised at how well received this painting has been. Its a bit too tightly painted for me, but you are right. We need to always be trying something a bit new or outside the comfort zone. See you Thursday.
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