Saturday, June 6, 2009

Yonder

Yonder
22x28
Oil on Canvas

This painting is finally completed.  I've been working on this one for several weeks, on and off.  It is done in a tonalist style which requires an underpainting, and the numerous build-up of painting layers of opaque paint and transparent paint.  Each layer needs to dry completely before the next is applied so that each color shows through.  

This method of painting is new to me.  I've been completely immersed in this process this year and plan to continue in this style.  It's a process that seems to progress inch by inch.  But I'm more pleased with the results than my previous painting style.  I've learned to slow down and be more patient.  Like the changing of the seasons, some things just can't be rushed.

16 comments:

Lynne E. Windsor said...

Thank you Janelle for following my blog. I hope that I can make it interesting enough! I am as you know, new to this, so I am taking baby steps. What an amazing community though, isn't it? So much information, ... too much, I probably will never paint again at this rate.

Glad that you are enjoying painting in a tonal fashion. It is such a fascinating way to paint I think.

Also, in reference to your previous post about being alone at times. I can totally relate. You really need it, especially to give you time to contemplate and paint. Keep up the good work and thanks again.

Lynne

Chuck Dilmore said...

Ooo... this is beautiful!
Nice, nice going!

peace~
Chuck

Chuck Dilmore said...

just lovely!

peace~
Chuck

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Hi Janelle!

Thank you so much for sharing your insights into this new method of painting for you. I had no idea and I enjoy increasing my understanding of the process.

This is another wonderful piece and I think the results are well worth the time and effort. Beautiful work!

Anonymous said...

Hello Janelle, this is a lovely painting. I too am participating in Deborah’s class at the moment and am finding it a very different and challenging method of painting…. but absolutely love it. It is a very different way of painting from my usual free flowing watercolours or intuitive pastels.
Maggie

Karen said...

I like that you wrote 'patience' as one of your keywords. I should write that in all of mine. But isn't it a great feeling when we're able to step back and not rush?! What's the rush about anyway?
It's beautifully resolved.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Lynne, I checked out your work and find it to be very inspiring! I think the blogging community is pretty amazing too. One can learn so much. I'm so glad that you're part of it!

Hi Chuck, Thanks for your kind comments!

Hi Kathleen, I enjoy it when other artists share their processes in a medium other than my own. That's why I think your blog is so interesting!

Hi Maggie, I'm glad you're enjoying Deborah's class. I agree that it's challenging but so very interesting. I love your new painting!

Hi Karen, I think I'm going to write that one down and put it next to my easel - What's the rush about anyway? I love that question!

Gary Keimig said...

I think you are really getting that tonalist feeling in your art. Very wonderfully done. Liked looking through your blog. Will be back to check things out.
God bless and keep up the good work

Anonymous said...

Janelle, thanks for looking at my painting on my blog. I'm trying to figure out how to use this technique in my style of painting, and at the moment am not so interested or worried about the true concept of the Tonalist movement. Painting in oil is so new to me, that I am still overcoming just how to handle, mix and apply paint (lol). Did your learning curve steadily progress....or in leaps and bounds?
Maggie

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Gary, Thanks for visiting my blog! I checked out yours and saw some beautiful landscapes with amazing scenery. You're so lucky to live where you do!

Hi Maggie, I started in oils about seven years ago after doing pastels for many years. I think the tonalist method of oil painting is very different from what I had been doing (alla prima). I've been at it for months and feel I'm only beginning to understand how it works. What I've learned is that I need to start out with a value mapped underpainting by wiping away paint so there's a ghost image and then going back with heavier paint. That way you get your image. I thought your painting really captured the feel.

Anonymous said...

Janelle, sorry to bother you again, but wondered if you have signed up for Deborah's follow on class in the fall? I have been having a lot of problems with my underpaintings because I am still waiting for one of the main underpainting colours to arrive! I had to compromise and use trans earth reds and diox purple, which made a very warm underpainting. It is a truly fascinating journey though.
Maggie

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Maggie! You're not bothering me! I love talking about painting. Yes, I just signed up for Deborah's class. I felt I should since I'm totally immersed in this process and plan on continuing. If you want to talk more, just send an email - janelle.goodwin@gmail.com.

Catherine Jeffrey said...

This is a wonderfully translucent painting. The light is so gentle and peaceful. I see early morning, but I'm sure others will have their own interpretation.
Its interesting why so many of us want to change our "style" of painting. Maybe its about growing and learning.
I also like what you said about keeping things simple. Often its simplicity and the use of negative space that make a picture successful. So much to learn and so little time!!!!

Laurel Daniel said...

Congratulations on completing this beautiful piece. Your commitment and focus to learning this new process is so paying off!! YAY for you!

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Catherine, Seems we artists are always learning and experimenting, doesn't it? Guess we just have to go in the direction that feels right. I checked out your blog and I love the atmosphere you project!

Hi Laurel, Thanks so much for your encouraging words. They mean a lot!

neetzy said...

I'm glad you're trying this tonal approach. I'm not sure if I'd have the patience for it. I tend to be an impatient painter. This technique is definitely working for you. I tend to try to get everything down early and then kill it by "over-painting".