Friday, September 10, 2010

Pine And Fancy

Pine And Fancy
8x8
oil on panel

This is the second of four paintings I did with a limited palette (Cad. Yellow Light, Phthalo Blue, Crimson, Yellow Ochre and Titanium White) on my second day at the Kenderdine class; another tree top study. I loved the feel of the paint gliding onto the smooth board and again I used the walnut alkyd to speed the drying time. I wish the photo/ monitor could better show the movement of the brushstrokes in the blue sky and the sheen the medium gave the paint. This painting is done on one of the boards I sealed with Golden brand GAC-100, so the actual colour of the board shows through the paint here and there (see detail below). It is a different effect than the second detail I have posted which shows the black under-painting on "Branching Out".

Pine And Fancy - detail
clear GAC-100 under-painting
(the golden yellow colour by the leaves 
is the board showing through)
                 
 Branching Out - detail
black latex under-painting

What I found was that the edges on "Branching Out" looked sharper and slightly outlined wherever the under-painting showed through. I have since rectified that and the under-painting is now more subtle, but in the detail above you can still see some of that black coming through. As well, I found that while painting outside the colours I mixed seemed brighter, but when I got inside the studio at the end of the day I discovered some areas looked dark and flat... actually Degen, the instructor, brought it to my attention. These things all made the paintings look somewhat illustrative to Degen and she said that was fine if that was what I was going for (it wasn't), but if not I needed to add some more light areas, especially to the pine trees, and watch my edges. So I did some tweaking that evening and I liked the paintings far more once I implemented her suggestions. That being said, I really like seeing edges, whether they disappear into one another or sometimes look cut out. What I came away with from that day of painting was that I am still on that almighty learning curve! And it doesn't look like I am getting off anytime soon!



NOTE: The name for this painting comes from a store at Waskesiu Lake that sells candy, new and old hard-to-find kinds, as well as souvenirs and toys... you know, the kind of place where kids love to go with their allowance (i.e. parents money!). My sisters and I have always giggled at the name, Pine And Fancy. We love it! Anyway, this title came to me as I realized I had painted one little pine tree surrounded by a bunch of fancy, leaf fluttering Birch Trees. 

7 comments:

Janie B said...

Love it!

Nicki said...

Thanks Janie!

Nicki

Unknown said...

Yes, the name of that store makes me giggle but my favourite thing is taking my precious nephews there to spend money on junk, trinkets, etc!!!! I love the way Sammy is thoughtful about what he gets and he chooses things slowly, methodically, and with great intent (just like you!). Then there is my little Thomas ... he's a bit like me. Choose the flashiest or loudest toy or the biggest, most chocolatey treat. Honestly, that store is a child's dream come true!!

As for the painting, I love it. To me, it looks interesting and full of movement (although I don't see the brushstrokes on the monitor like you mentioned). It is definitely and end of summer palette of the north, too .... those darn gold leaves came WAY too early this year!

Love,
JJ

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

Beautiful work -- smashing colour palette. I am strongly tempted to
use the new wood blocks I see for sale. But I can't do oil yet I don't think. Too bad. These paintings are
spectacular.

XOBarbara

-Don said...

Nicki, This has a wonderful energy to it that I enjoy immensely. The strokes are great. I love the nuances of color and value you include in every aspect of the image. It's my current favorite...

-Don

Artist said...

beautiful painting! love the colors!

Nicki said...

Hi jdr,

Yes, you are right about how they shop; it totally reflects their personalities.

I'm glad you like this one. You'll have to come to the studio with me and see it and the others in person.

XO N.


Hi Barbara,

Thanks for the great compliment on this painting. The board is actually one I had cut from a bigger sheet of MDF at Home Depot. I had them chop up a 24x36 board of half inch MDF- I think I got 16 8x8's out of the larger sheet. I really enjoyed the smooth surface as a change from canvas. And it was way more cost effective. I'm just not sure how to frame them as the board is quite thick.

I'm still figuring this oil business out, but may I say that I like them a whole heck of a lot more with the walnut alkyd speeding the drying time.

Take care,

Nicki XO


Hi Don,

Oooh, a current favorite. Hmmm... we'll have to see how the next ones I post stack up against it! Thanks!

Nicki


Hi Artist,

Nice to hear from you and thank you so much for your kind words!

Nicki