Tangle, egg tempera on calfskin parchment, 4 7/8 x 3 1/2 inchesThis painting, because of the details of the tangled chain, was tough going at times. I think of the chain as a mass of texture in the painting, which contrasts with the flat red and green planes, but unless it is painted with clarity and conviction, it doesn't work with the whole. It points out the odd nature of my paintings: they aim for an abstract expression of color, shape and form, but they also must have precision of execution to create the tension I find most interesting between the thing and the representation of it, or, to put it other ways, illusion and flatness, reality and abstraction.
(keep in mind that this detail is way over the actual size)
this looks so surreal - in the suggestive/ symbolic sense - harsh de chirico-like light, the strong colors - and the chain is very figural. it's a really strong, eye-catching image.
ReplyDeleteThanks rappel; I'm very interested in the surreal, as you define it, so am pleased that you see that in this painting.
ReplyDeleteGreat work on the chain, and it holds up very well upon enlargement.
ReplyDeletehi Mona, as I said, the chain was very difficult to get right, so I'm glad you think it works well. As for the enlargement, I was surprised that the modeling looked okay when blown up; I guess I expect a closeup to look a bit sloppy. I do use reading glasses when working, which helps a lot.
ReplyDeleteAfter two weeks in Guatemala, it's been a treat to catch up with your blog. Really compelling to see the contrast of how you work in different mediums...my tendency is to like the more mixed-up process of The Bulge, but I am also drawn to Blue/Green like many others here. That top photo of the line of garlic is great: how the light glints off the varied colors & textures. What most brought a smile is yr self-portrait in raspberry jam: hard to find a new way to render that one but you did!
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Julie, and thanks for visiting and leaving your various comments, especially on my gooey self portrait. It's interesting to me that you prefer the hooked rug work; there is texture, happenstance and a level of abstraction not found in the precise paintings based on actual things. I have fun doing both.
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