So it has been awhile since I have painted and since I have posted. We finally did move at the end of June to an incredible old 1880's farmhouse with a post and beam barn and gorgeous property. The move was disruptive (to say the least) to the creative process, or at least to the process that makes me put paint on canvas.Luckily, the previous owners kept this place in great shape so there hasn't been the anxiety I normally have about having to change alot. Most of the rooms are in great shape, and don't need to be painted. So even with all that, it has taken another month to get into the studio.
So to loosen up and perhaps get out of the painting rut I had been in before the move, I have been doing these quick color studies. Each take about an hour or less and I don't want to go back to them, there stay as they are. Warm palette, cool palette, different combinations, but making them about three things:
-a color story (3 colors at most)
-simple shapes
-interesting brushwork
This isn't anything new but I seem to have to remind myself I don't need every color in every painting, I don't need all that detail and what I like is interesting brushwork so don't forget to include that. I did 6 yesterday and 2 so far today. What do you think?
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The shadows in the first one are really outstanding - the foreground ones especially so... almost kind of haunting. This first one seems to be really all about the negative space created in each of those three main shadows, set up in contrast to that crystal blue summer sky. (Also really like how you mark the kink on the right of the road in the first one.) I really like the movement and activity in the second one.. especially in the foreground bushes and sky. I am thrown off a bit by the 'v'-shaped brushwork on the foreground bushes and in the middle stand of trees just to the right of the shed. Really nice work, Vanessa! Hope the new place is treating you and David really well. Can't wait to see it. --Casey
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