Last Light
16x20
This painting has been on and off my easel for the last two weeks. Every time I think I'm done with it, I change my mind. I actually signed it yesterday. I think I just wanted to stop the questioning.
The odd thing about this painting is that it looks good from a distance. But if I stand close to it and really observe all the details, the doubts come flooding in. One evening I was talking about this painting with my husband. I usually talk to him about things like this when I simply can't gain perspective. It's amazing what he comes up with from his non-artistic background. He said, "It should be hung in a place where there's low light".
I think he's right. Shouldn't the lighting be taken into consideration when hanging certain paintings?
17 comments:
I understand your doubts when you get up close...I experience that same feeling when looking at my own work, but, interestingly, this is exactly what I like in others' paintings--that they read as perhaps more representational from a greater distance and yet become fantastic abstractions/spots of color, beautiful on their own, when seen from a closer proximity. Maybe you should paint with a really, really long handled brush and never get too close! :)
Seriously, though, don't doubt yourself! It's got that glow you're after, for sure, and a beautiful, moody quality to it.
Yes I agree that we have to consider where something will hang based on the light...almost like thinking about what color wall will it hang on and how will that change how it looks too.
Karen is right about the "glow" - it is subtle and warm and very inviting. Glad you signed it!
Hi Karen, Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. Interesting that you mentioned how you liked others' paintings from a distance. I do too. One time I spied a wonderful watercolor painting at an art fair from very far away. It looked fantastic from a distance. I ended up purchasing it. Sometimes I wish my arms were 10 feet long so I could paint far back!
Hi Laurel, Thanks so much. Love your latest sunset paintings. They're fantastic!
I think I lost my comment! It is gorgeous... and it really does glow.
I understand doubt.. :)
Hi Janelle,
I love it as is under low or normally lighting, it'll hold up very well. It's not only provocatively moody, it's well painted.
It's got a very Deborah Paris-like feel to it. Nice. And yes, I think one can and should consider lighting when thinking about how to best showcase a given work.
This is a lovely piece, I especially love the warm hues. Great job.
Hi Michelle, Thanks so much. Enjoyed your ice photos very much.
Hi Susan, I love that phrase, "provocatively moody". Thanks so much.
Hi Jala, I'm flattered that you said this has a Deborah Paris-like feel. If only:). Thanks so much.
Hi Carol, Thanks for your comments. Hope you're enjoying that Melbourne weather.
Janelle don't doubt yourself. I know we all go through it. I am a stickler for showing work in good light. I respect your husbands opinion and low light might create a great look for this work but if you nailed the light (and I think you did) show it in good light! Poor lighting just won't do justice. We artists like to see everything!
I agree, the glow in this is beautiful! It looks finished to me and I understand how you are feeling about it (I have a painting on my easel that keeps haunting me too) but, at some point you've done all you can and learned all you can from it. Even though you aren't completely satisfied, I think it's beautiful and imagine that in person it's even stronger.
Hi Brian, Yes, it's true that we artists like to see everything. My nose is usually 2 inches away from paintings because I want to see how they are painted! Thanks for your comments.
Hi Kim, Interesting point about learning all we can from a painting. I'll have to keep that in mind. Thanks so much!
your instincts seem right on...it is finished! I think it would hold up even in brighter light...it has an under worked look that is appealing. Sometimes less is more and this is one of those times.
There is a lovely warm glow emanating from the painting. I think that is very effective. I do think it matters where you plan to hang it. Sometimes I fiddle with things and add too much detail and picky things when it doesn't need them. You captured the feeling. I think that is most important.
low light. That's one of the most brilliant answer!
works best same way with wrinkles too, definately! :)
Hi Celeste, Interesting comment. Yes, it's better to underwork a painting. There's nothing worse than an overworked one! Thanks for stopping.
Hi Neetzy, Your comment was interesting too! It's better to capture the feeling or essence of what we're trying to convey. I need to write these things down and put them next to my easel. Thanks!
Hi Silver, Hmmm. I wondered about that one too. It could be taken two ways. I love your blogs. Thanks for your comment!
Hi Janelle,
I think everyone has said it so well about this painting. It truly has a warm, inviting glow. I'm happy you signed it. Wonderful work.
Hi Kathleen, Thanks for your comments. Have you been working on those earrings?
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