I scoped out Eaton Canyon on Thursday, and I thought I might paint a sycamore tree in the picnic area with one of those WPA-looking barbecues. But this morning I turned my eyes to the hills. It seemed like the greater challenge to me, but with better potential returns. It's a rare day when our hills are this green, and colored with wildflowers and new growth.
I got a parking spot and stood in the shade and painted almost without adversity. Two gnats were inadvertently killed in the making of this painting.
I'm not sure I've seen a painting that makes those utility towers look interesting. You managed that well! Very nice. Haven't been in the Pasadena area for some time, but this looks just about right...except for the greener than usual issue!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I am so loving everything about this painting except one thing. First I want to say how harmonious and lush your colors appear. Your impressionist brushwork here is too divine. Now, Let me tell you, I have been hypnotized by those repetitive transformers before too... but I don't think it works here. If you were me you would take it out and make an interesting sky to match that dreamy mountain. I'd put some earthy purples up in that sky and maybe some clouds and a moon in the top right corner. Kinda illustrationy I know. Or perhaps just take out the tower leave the sky color and put a moon sliver in the top right corner. These are just some ideas. Please don't get mad at me, get even.
ReplyDeleteAlice and Kaylyn. I really appreciate your comments. I am very new to plein air oil painting. I am literally feeling my way, and have no idea how I'm doing and I'm still too new and close to the paintings to evaluate them myself. I know I want to push myself, and not avoid subjects because they're challenging. That's how it was with those towers. I would have preferred that they weren't there, but I thought I needed to give them a try. I'm happy at least that they don't look as overworked as they probably are. I don't know if you can tell, but only the blue guys on the left are towers, and the other little things on the ridge are trees.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool Barbara. I took a closer look and can now see the line you have going across the top of your painting. Just remember those towers may be what someone else loves most about this painting. That's the wonderful thing about ART.
ReplyDeleteI also like the pattern of greens and yellows in your painting. I liked the electrical towers at t he top, a sort of shock (pun intended), an intrusion on the natural world.
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