Photo of
AuSable
River
My year got off to a slow start creatively. My
husband, Jay, was in a very serious auto accident at the end of January,
which necessitated my traveling across the lake to the trauma center in
Vermont
to be with him daily. He moved into a rehabilitation center March 9th
and was there for several months before returning home. I was forced to
cancel my spring workshops. This has given me a break from painting and
time for reflection. I am blessed with the love and support of family
and friends and am relieved that Jay is recovering. He had numerous
fractures, but the most serious injury was a closed head injury. I am
impressed with how well he is doing, but it will be some time before he
is fully healed. I am hoping to return to painting in the near future
and welcome the growth I am sure to see from this life changing event.
PLANNING A PAINTING
The photo above is of a favorite place nearby. It has many elements which
interest me as a subject. In approaching the painting, I look carefully
at the photo asking myself the following questions as I design the
image. Consider using a similar tactic to improve your design skills as
you plan your paintings.
WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT THIS SUBJECT? The melodic movement.
WHAT EMOTION DOES IT MAKE ME FEEL? Peaceful.
HOW MIGHT I BEST CONVEY THAT? Through choice of values and colors.
WHAT TIME OF DAY IS IT? What is the mood, or atmosphere? Afternoon shadows
result from backlighting.
ARE THERE INTERESTING GROUPINGS OF SHAPES? I love the groups of rocks and
their shapes!
DO SOME NEED TO BE MOVED, ALTERED, OR ELIMINATED? Yes, there are always
some elements that are unnecessary. In particular; the branches in the
water on the lower right takes the eye to the corner and away from the
focal point. They should be moved or eliminated. It could be too
distracting.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ARE OF FOCUS? The large rock with smaller ones in front
are almost centered in the photo, so it would be better design to move
it slightly to one side.
IS THERE A SECONDARY AREA OF FOCUS? Yes, the falls in front, which are a
different texture.
ALWAYS MAKE A VALUE SKETCH OR LOOK AT THE IMAGE WITH A VALUE VIEWER, SUCH
AS THIS IMAGE.
Here are a few paintings I’ve done of similar
subjects.
Go with the Flow
Cool Running
