Out for a Stroll
8x10
Recently, i have hit my urban impressions of downtown Vancouver,WA. Last weekend, the weather was so nice - it gave me a great chance to get out and snag some well-lit scenes for a couple of plein air pieces, and some photographs for studio work.
This painting was done in studio, but i wanted to give it a plein air feeling. The initial pass went in quite quickly - i did not fuss with perfect lines. Instead i focused on putting splashes and swipes of color and value in loose fashion. If you've never done that, you should try it. It's almost like being a kid again. Or in my case, dinner was just about ready.....
Over the next couple evenings, is when i really focused. I tidied things up a bit and infused some intense light, but still tried to keep to the playful feeling. I left all the signage as strokes and splots to keep to the looseness of the design. And although this is a representational painting, it could be more an expression color and light.
I know this is a tall order for anyone outside the area; but can anyone guess what the subjects are in this painting?
One hint....The yellow building was the first home of The Columbian newspaper.
This is very nice Michael. This is how I love to paint. Let the forms form as you rough in with dabs and streaks and swipes--your first impressions, which are the best, the freshest, the most lively. Then perhaps a touch or two of definition and that's it. I do like your street scenes very much. They definitely have a plein air quality.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. Most are done plein air, but as you know, the challenge to make the studio pieces have that same quality can be tough. But you gotta love the challenge of it all, right?! Thanks for the comment.
DeleteThat looks like a familiar sidewalk...! ...is that a newspaper box? I agree with LW's comment. THIS is painting. I love paintings with lots of paint on them! There is a great sense of sunshine bouncing all around!
ReplyDeleteYes Celeste, you've seen it before, but i wouldn't expect you to necessarily recognize it. Its just down from AOTB a few blocks. Sandwich board sign is in the foreground and yes there is a lot of paint, maybe too much, but beauty's in the eye, right. Thanks.
DeleteWould that be on Main St here in downtown? Great painting Mike!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's Jerusalem Cafe at the corner of Evergreen and Main. Good eye my friend!
DeleteSince I don't know where it is in reality but I am affected by how you lit the planes; It feels like Arizona or New Mexico! Great painting!
ReplyDeleteYes, i was worried that i may have infused a bit too much light for the Pac.NW, but i am glad you like it. Thanks for the comment Carrie!
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