Toothed Circle, egg tempera on calfskin parchment, 4 3/4 x 7 inches.A circle and a rectangle are the main players in this painting's drama: a circle catching light alongside a deeply shadowed space. I used the insight on mixing color gained from my last painting Yellow Folds to layer colors until I had an illusion of a space receding into fathomless dark. One big question for myself as I worked on the painting was about the cotter pin at the center of the circle. I put it in, then painted it out, then brought it back as I decided that I liked the little dance it performed, making the image less solemn. Let me know what you think; I can always take it out again.
Nice dramatic shadows in this one, and for me the pin adds interest.
ReplyDeleteFirst intuition is often best, although not always easy to see at first is how I find it in my own work sometimes.
Thanks for your feedback, Mona. It's good to have some confirmation.
ReplyDeletethis looks great next to the iconic one on the right... and I like the cotter pin addition. its little dance. and the echo of the teeth at the far right. and the circle and the square each holding their own without budging. (no, the rounded corner of the square doesn't read as a concession to the circle!) it's a rich & satisfying composition.
ReplyDeletethanks so much, rappel!
ReplyDeleteI like the cotter pin; give it a bit more depth.
ReplyDeletegreat, RJ, another vote to keep the pin, and so far it's unanimous, here, on facebook, and in emails.
ReplyDelete