October 16, 2009

Opposing Angles

Opposing Angles, 2009, 12 x 12 inches, egg tempera on panel






Opposing Angles is now finished. I find the geometry of this painting quite satisfying, and hope that the light and color add warmth to what might be seen as a rather severe image. Using a delicate but active brush, I painted a surface that speaks of the artist's hand, but not too loudly. This is one of the most simple compositions I've painted, and points toward my love of minimalist painting, a love clearly evident in my ruglets. I sometimes think that my paintings may become even more spare in the future.

I have a small bit of dissatisfaction: it is not clear enough that the broad triangular plane is not parallel to the picture plane, but is moving forward in space. I worked on that quite a bit, using color and value to bring the front edge forward, but I think that our visual response to the two dimensional design is so strong that it overpowers the spacial design. But maybe you, the viewer, don't see it that way.

3 comments:

  1. The broad triangular plane is balancing that delicate question between pushing out into space at the bottom edge, like a slide with a step at the bottom, and reiterating the two dimensional surface. This creates a great push-pull tension, also with that counter diagonal form disappearing behind it to increase the play of forces. It is a taut, dynamic and highly sophisticated use of pictorial space, addressing the eternal question of flat object vs. illusion of space. It's a slow, intriguing read, unfolding over time. Beautifully done!

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  2. I second that!
    I find the painting very satisfying.

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  3. thank you! I feel as though I've had a satisfying studio visit.

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