Bait House...
Painting pilings can be a fun challenge in simplifying a scene. For me the trick is figuring out what the biggest and most important passages are, and focusing on that. Rather than paint each piling as it’s own object, I start by looking for large passages of dark and light, and big pieces of color. As I refine the painting, I look for smaller pieces of information, but still don’t worry about particular pilings. As with most subjects, I just want to see the scene as pieces of paint and color instead of getting wrapped up in the small and unimportant edges. The scene above is from a day trip I took to Round Pond, Maine.
I also wanted to mention a podcast I have been enjoying lately, Modern Art Notes. The sound quality is a little inconsistent, but the content is often very good. Tyler Green is a good interviewer with deep knowledge of the art world, and often has established artists and curators on the show. I subscribe through itunes, but you can also check it out on his homepage.
While I am mentioning podcasts, I have to suggest my old standby favorites again. Slate Magazine’s daily podcasts are great and cover a lot. Also Start the Week from the BBC, and the Moth. I often listen to these while painting, and if you have the free time to give these a try I think it would be worth your while.
Posted on Monday June 11, 2012 | 4 Comments
4 Responses to “Bait House”
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Great timing! I am working on a painting now with a bunch of pilings, and your suggestions will be used today! Love the color and depth in this one. And thanks for the tips!
Wow, great little lesson here. I look at that view frequently, and never think of painting it. I guess I should get out there! Thanks.
Dd
Good luck with your painting Denise. Pilings are overwhelming at first, but they are really just pieces of color put down in the right place. Good luck!
Hi Dd,
Thanks. It’s a lot to handle, but can be a fun scene to paint.