Friday, April 17, 2009

Am I Done Yet?







Sunrise
8x10

This study is one of the pieces I did as a result of taking Deborah Paris's online class.  It's purely for my own information.  I'm thinking of doing a much larger painting and I can use this one for reference or a jumping off point.

I'm still working to understand the tonalist style of painting.  I'm so used to working in a more impressionist style.  As all artists know, the only way to learn something new is to keep at it.  One needs to put in many, many hours of painting before becoming proficient in an area.

I've found that taking a digital photo, helps tremendously.  For some reason, I can stare at a painting, not sure if I'm completely satisfied or finished.  But if I take a photo, the areas that still need work become very apparent.  Has anyone else found this to be a useful tool? 


12 comments:

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Hi Janelle,

I love your exploration of this method. It's quite lovely.

I really hadn't thought of the digital picture as a tool to help you see things, but now that you mention it, I agree. Photos of my work do show things I never notice when I'm just looking at them. I think it's a valid way to assess the progress. Thanks for the insight!

Pam Holnback said...

You seem to hve learned so much from Deborah Paris. Your digital photo comment got me wondering. I know sometimes I think my piece is finished, then I post it on the blog and stare at it on the computer screen and it doesn't seem done. Sounds like the same idea.

artistinthewild said...

Hi Janelle-

Digital photos help a lot when assessing a painting's progress. I do this all the time because it's so quick and easy, and it's so informative. I don't bother with a high resolution dSLR image, just a point-and-shoot digital camera or even your cell phone camera will do the trick. It's a lot like putting your painting in a frame or a mat, or looking at it in a mirror--gives it a whole new perspective.

This is a really attractive composition! -W

Silver said...

SUNRISE!!

you're fight abt the usefulness of the digital camera.

I woke up early and sat there to wait for the sunrise during my last trip away to this very beautiful island- i just kept clicking at every 7 min interval and then looked back later to see the changes in the colour of the skies..

just so awesome.. like God's art pieces..

loriann signori said...

Beautiful Janelle...it has a warm, soft mood that entices.

Jala Pfaff said...

Nice job.

When I see my own paintings posted via a photo onto the computer, I agree, that's when I often notice something that doesn't work.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Kathleen, Yes, I think it's a method I'll be using during the assessment process. Just hope I remember to wipe the paint off my hands before I pick up the camera!

Hi Pam, I've learned a different way of thinking from Deborah, quite unique.

Hello Artistinthewild, It really does give a different perspective, doesn't it. Better than stepping back. I think I'll be exploring this composition more. They say a good composition never dies!

Hi Silver, Your photography from your trip is truly inspiring. Like angel artwork!

Loriann, I've been enjoying your sunny meadows.

Hi Jala, Yes, me too. Hopefully I'll start to notice these things before I post from now on :).

Karen said...

I for one look forward to your working more with all this and reading of your thoughts and processes.
I think William's got it, that the photo becomes like another tool to help the assessment, to see it in a new way.

Joan Breckwoldt said...

Hi Janelle, this is absolutely beautiful! You are so right though, about keeping at something and painting many paintings before we become proficient. I admire your stick-with-it-ness. Thank you for sharing your beautiful paintings and your thoughts,
Joan

Laurel Daniel said...

The universal artist question! I think the the smaller scale of the photo abstracts everything to simple shapes. This allows us to better analyze the composition and values.

Other ways to get a new perspective like that are: looking at your painting backwards in a mirror (many artists have a mirror behind them in their studio for that purpose), and backwards/upside down (stand with your back to the painting, bend over and look at it from upside down. Wierd but it works!)

I look forward to seeing the large version of this!!!

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Karen, Yes, it's quick and easy for assessment. Just one of the new ways I'm working these days. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your painting processes too!

Hi Joan, Thanks so much. I've noticed that you're exploring different realms these days too. You're doing some awesome work!

Hi Laurel, Hmmm, I didn't think of that. I guess a small version of the painting would give a whole different perspective. That made me chuckle, the backwards, upside down thing. I'll have to try it!

r garriott said...

This is very nice...! Looks done to me.

Yes, I often find just looking at the back view finder of the camera right after photographing a piece shows me the areas that are off color, or not symetrical, etc.

Another tool I've used for years is a mirror; I'll look at the reflection of the painting, or I'll just turn it upside down.