Why My Transparent Journey?

Are contrasting ways really a conflict?  Or are they really just a challenge to bring them into harmony?  Two points are sometimes meant to converge; it does not always have to be one or the other.  Both can yield their own experience and wisdom.  After being torn between two age old styles of painting; the landscape or the still life, I have decided to join the two for a delightful exercise of sorts.  In order to explore many different facets of painting, I will combine and harmonize the two as an ongoing practice. 

The backgrounds of the scene will be landscapes of various kinds.  They will be monochromatic, sepia or black and white and are sure to sharpen my perception and skills with painting values.  The clear glass still life objects chosen to appear in the foreground will increase my ability to paint shapes, three dimensional form and detail that are consistent with still life painting.  The color of the scene through the glass will give me an opportunity to abstract the image, play with various methods of representation as well as explore the interaction of color with reflection and light. 

The overall completed scene is an age old favorite of mine (coming from a background of hand painting black and white photographs) which is contrast or lack thereof that is conducive with black and white or tonal imagery.  I am allowing the eye to be drawn to the color as is it is contrasted against the gray, sepia or monochromatic tone of the background.  The color can be soft or vibrant stimulating the mood of the scene.  The antique items would go well with muted colors and sepia backgrounds.  A vintage bottle would compliment more vibrant colors and stimulating landscapes.  Each would create a different frame of mind and be original in its design and execution.  There are limitless possibilities and combinations to explore! 

The only thing that would stay consistent is the general theme creating a signature that will be lasting and identifiable.  I am not limiting myself to formulas however, this is a journey!  I plan to write out my thoughts, challenges and learning experiences for artists and art lovers alike.

I have over one hundred landscapes to work from that are either pictures I have taken or have received permission to use.  The numerous glass vessels that will become my color windows are simple things from around the house and objects found in reference material from a wider variety of sources (mostly the numerous antique shops in the area where I live).  The designs will be similar using slightly differing perspectives (some shapes creating bigger windows than others).  Each one will be done on gesso primed and under painted 8” by 8” tempered hard board in oil.  I will not be reproducing these in any form at this time.  Each one will be a one of a kind original work.

I am really excited about this new concept and can’t wait to get rolling with it.  I am committing to a year of doing these and I believe my art ability will increase over this time.  The act of creating each new one will keep my practice journey alive and stimulating.  These will also be for sale as I go along, so it is my desire that you find one right and personal for you or…wait for the next one and join in the enthusiasm.

Detail and perfection are not my goal.  My focus will be more on the skills listed above.  While some form of realism is usually a byproduct of my finished work, I am not striving for realism.  I hope to achieve more of a surreal impression that is lasting and unique rather than adhere to nonflexible photographic imagery.  These are studies and I plan to exercise the power of artist’s choice!  While preparation has always been a key to good quality art and will remain a practice I intend on observing, knowing when to quit will also become an important factor in these exercises.  I hope you will follow me as I pursue this new adventure.  I am certainly open to critique and suggestions.  I know I will be excited to share what I am learning and the journey is more happily traveled with more than one on the road.  Information for purchasing these little treasures will be promptly posted, listing several at a time.

So sit still awhile, visit my online gallery of sorts and take away with you a thought ─an image ─a mood that transforms your day into an extraordinary one.

Thank you heavenly Father for the idea and the creative talent you have given me, I hope with much hard work and effort, this will become an inspiration and blessing to others.  Let’s see where my transparent journey takes me.