Tuesday, December 11, 2007

"Black & White" --- SOLD



I think I'm finally gaining some confidence with cups. It's the rims that are the toughest. They're usually rather thin, but not so thin that I can treat them the same as highlights. Also, getting the elipses right is always a major challenge. One thing I talk about in my workshops all the time is how everything is relative, and so to get things "right" you've got to constantly compare everything to everything else: shapes, distances, values, etc. It's really easy to get so focused on one little piece of the composition that we forget to look at the bigger picture. But if one little part doesn't relate to the rest then you're sunk! I have 2 main tricks for making myself look at the bigger picture all throughout the painting: squint, and back up.

6 comments:

Penelope Lentz said...

Dear Ms Marine, I've been receiving your updates for about a month now. I love your paintings. I found you because my friend Marilyn Bowsfield mentioned you on her blog. I think she took your workshop. I know you're a very busy person, but was wondering if you would tell me, do you use a lot of different brushes when you paint a painting like this or just a few flats? And do you do an underpainting first and let it dry or just get it all done in one shot. (Guess I ought to come to your workshop in Sante Fe!)
Thanks, and have a great day,
Penny Lentz
Templeton, CA

Carol Marine said...

Penny- Thanks! I pretty much only use flats anymore. In fact I painted this one with just one flat brush. It's a silver bristlon bright and I like it because it keeps its shape and flat edge well, though I got it recently so don't know how it stands up to abuse yet. It's a size 6. I put down a very turped down ground before I paint, and then wipe it down well with a paper towel so I get the color and little moisture on my panel. Then I paint right away. -Carol

Tara Wheeler said...

You mean squint at your subject and back up away from your canvas, right?

I was told *not* to squint at what I was painting on.

Just curious. . .

Carol Marine said...

Yes, Tara (sorry) I meant squint at your subject and back away from your canvas! Thanks for clarifying. -Carol

Bart Dluhy said...

Carol, I have always been impressed with your cups, plates saucers, elipses (or is it elipsi?). For something that appears so simple, elipses are really tough (this relates to one of your older posts regarding mind tricks). Most times I try to avoid them, but I have been getting more brave. Anyway, if you are just now getting comfortable with them you could have fooled me. Another great job with a simple set up and limited palette.

Bart Dluhy said...

BTW, I love the new paintings on your website!