| As Far As The Eye Can See © Marian Fortunati 18" x 14" Oil on RayMar Panel |
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| Click on the link above for additional details. |
Awe Inspiring
As with most of us, I find the far-reaching vistas of the Grand Canyon amazing. I often see the work of painters who do a phenomenal job of capturing the awesomeness of the vanishing canyons and buttes, but I have never been able to achieve even an approximation of that. My eye gets lost in the winding ups and downs and ins and outs of the canyons and I want to use the glorious colors of the canyon, but it never reads well.
A Museum Visit
Several friends and I recently visited the Pasadena Museum of California Art to see the work of Edgar Payne. I really cannot express how wonderful that exhibition of work is. To see so much of Payne's artwork in one place... the variety of locations, -his colors, his astounding brushwork and his expertise over time was stunning. I bought the book, which is amazing, but really nothing compares to seeing it in person. I will definitely go back to see it again before it closes. If you live anywhere near Pasadena, it is a MUST SEE.
Why Not?
One of the benefits of having a one-woman-show coming up in September is that I can paint and paint and paint -- whatever I want. No themes to try to fit. Just create lots of work and decide which paintings will be best to show. So I decided to drag out some of my reference photos from several trips to the Grand Canyon and try to create my own version of the Grand Canyon. Payne painted LARGE paintings. I don't. I obviously don't have his skill either, but I did my best to capture the essence of the canyon. When I had the basics down, I decided to take the painting to class and ask David Gallup, my teacher, for advice.
The Critique
David felt that the far shadows were way too dark and that they divided the painting in half. He encouraged me to lighten them up, but true to his character, he suggested I use more colorful greys as mine were dull... Okay... I worked all through the class and was totally immersed in those canyon ins and outs. I was happier with the painting when I left, but continued to work on it through the week and then brought it back the next week to class. David deemed it better, but wanted more color and more interesting texture still. Mind you, we're not talking garish chroma, but subtle color and lots of texture. As I was working, he kept reminding me to step back. Finally, David came over and moved my entire palette to the back of the room, so that I would have to make my paint decisions from across the room. From then on he was smiling as I worked on the painting. (Is there a lesson here??? ;o) )
My Show
I'm happy with the painting and it will more than likely be part of my show. (Wow... there is always so much to do BESIDES painting, when getting ready for a show!!)
(I DO hope you can come to the reception!!.... Lots of great hors d'oeuvres and delicious beverages to go along with good company and the art on the walls.)
Mark your calendars now and let your friends and family know too.... It's a great place to eat!
I'll be reminding everyone about it from now until it opens, but here are the basic details:
"One Lucky Artist at Gale's Restaurant"
Event Dates: 9/22/2012 - 11/17/2012
Reception: Sunday, 9/30/2012 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Gale's Restaurant
(626) 432-6705
452 South Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena CA 91105
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