At the end of my last painting day, two versions of Saint Antimo (aka San' Antimo). The first approach was less than successful as a painting, but I think it was (and is) quite successful as a study, a practice sheet. If I needed it, it certainly proved the importance of practice. Intellectually I know that practice is always worthwhile, but being slow to learn, I have to have it proved over and over. Someday I will automatically start a painting knowing that it is a study only.
And maybe my hair will be wrinkle-proof nylon when I wake up!
Anyway, here is proof if you need it. Revisiting what went before so one doesn't have to scroll through entries to find the earlier works:
This is the first study. I did forget to show the third pass from the weekend, but I didn't take a picture of day 3. I will continue to work on it as long as what I do on it helps me with the second version seen below.  |
| Second Draft, Day 1 |
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| Second Draft, Day 2 |
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| Second Draft, Day 3 |
As far as I am concerned, this version is much closer to what my eyes see when I look at the photograph plus what my emotional eyes see. That's always an important part of what one paints. That is something else that I am learning. For a long time I have been focused on making an accurate representation of what is in front of me or in a photograph. Now that I feel that I can do that reasonably well, I have to work on trying to infuse what I feel or felt when in a particular place.
What I don't know is whether I'm doing that.
As a non painter, I find your process is very interesting. I'm beginning to think it's as much work as making a quilt and maybe a bit more cause at least with a quilt I mostly have a pattern to look at!
ReplyDeleteI had difficulty with the dark lower left corner of your first attempt at this subject. But your second drafts allow the light to reflect off the building and, too me, has an airy fresh look. I really love your second draft, day 3. I think it will be a beautiful watercolor. You're right to think about the emotional reaction to the scene. It becomes so much more than a photograph.
ReplyDeleteI had difficulty with the dark lower left corner of your first attempt at this subject. But your second drafts allow the light to reflect off the building and, too me, has an airy fresh look. I really love your second draft, day 3. I think it will be a beautiful watercolor. You're right to think about the emotional reaction to the scene. It becomes so much more than a photograph.
ReplyDelete