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| Tree Line Of Color 14 x 18 |
It feels good to finally give you an update on where my show, "Moods of the Pacific Northwest" is headed.
Beginning in August, I found myself thrust into the chaos of figuring out how to put together a solo show. Planning the various places to visit and scenes I wanted to paint, has been exhilarating and exhausting all in one.
One question I have been asked is, "how do you keep up with the pressure of the impending deadline?" A valid question for certain, but not one that I really thought about much. I have felt the pressure of time, but all it really did was to propel me to another gear. I knew that in order to pull this off I would have to step up my game, and in no time I found myself painting a lot larger format out in the field. Plus my wife, Victoria, has been a huge support. Between the two of us, she is the organizer and she has played a big part in me being able to do this. In addition, Kevin Weaver, gave me ample time to work the project.
Having said that, there is still work to do; I still have some moody pieces to complete and plenty of framing to do.
Tree Line of Color, happened to be an early piece in this series. I painted it from one of my favorite spots to work, the Steigerwald National Refuge. At the time it was my largest plein air painting attempted which came with great satisfaction by pushing those boundaries. And even though this is an intimate landscape, whenever I see it, I instantly think of a Cheetah and/or a Giraffe. I think.because of the subtle dark spots against the orange.
It probably sounds corny, but I really wanted to name it, "Cheetah"
What do you think, should I change the name?......
Links
Vicki's blog - theshyshutterbug.blogspot.com
Kevin Weaver - artontheboulevard.org
Michael, I continue to be inspired by your work ethic and love of art. I try to stay up with your posts on FB and elsewhere, but my own turbulent schedule beats up on me. I am trying to manage that.
ReplyDeleteHowever, in regards to the painting, "Tree Line of Color" and calling it "Cheetah" I am not sold on the title. I respect your own creative license in a broad sense so "Cheetah" in fact might just be what the doctor (artist) ordered. But looking at the excitement of brush strokes and the energy they create I think of "Roiling Rows of Birch" (are those birch trees?). My point is to acknowledge the electric vibration of your style and dub it with a similarly descriptive moniker.
To the account of your impending show, again I say, "bravo". Your guts in putting yourself in "harm's" way displays your mettle. You've set the bar higher again. Love it. Good luck. Talk again soon I hope....
John
Hey John, thanks for your thought provoking comments. As I'm sure you know, naming a piece can be a challenge at times. I really like your literation and if I remember correctly, yes they were birches.
DeleteNaming work is one of the most critical parts of presenting a painting that really helps set the tone. Tree Line of Color, is a nice name, but I'm not sure it's strong enough for the piece and even though, Cheetah, doesn't tell the story, it's the name that keeps coming to me when I view it. I do understand not being sold on that though, and that's the concern. However, I think the painting might be intense enough to handle it......
Thanks again for your great comments, they are much appreciated!
Lovely painting, Michael! I think you should continue to call it cheetah on your own but those folks with no imagination might continue looking for the literal cat. Look forward to seeing more!
ReplyDeleteThank you Quin! Ya, I know the name might be a bit of a stretch, given the fact this is a scene from the Pacific NW. It's just the name that keeps clawing at my inner thoughts.
DeleteI will be posting work periodically, leading up to the show. Thank you for checking it out and thanks again for your comments!
The more and more I think about it, Cheetah, might just win out......
Don't you do that! Don't you undermine this wonderful painting with some much vigorous energy with a crappy title Michael. I am fascinated by what you are going through for your solo show. I wish you could tell us--or your wife could tell us--about the organization involved. I am also so curious about the cost of framing--actually the purchasing of frames in bulk--for such an endeavor. Is there a good book? I am very naive when it comes to the business of art. It seems so expensive to get ready for a show and some of the prices I see online don't reflect the cost.. Anyway. Happy painting always. This one is a beauty. It's gone and you haven't framed it yet. Linda
ReplyDeleteThat's what I love about you, Linda. Tell it like it is..... No sugar, no frosting, just wham!!! :)
DeleteI totally understand, so I will give it more thought. Thanks for your input!
As to the organization, well, my wife works well off of lists. Make a master list of all that needs to be done leading up to the show and just start pecking away from top to bottom. Most artists,I think, struggle with super planning, probably because we tend to be more spontaneous, so get your hubby involved.
The framing is a huge investment, I don't know any other way around it. Usually the frame shops will give a discount with volume purchases. Find one that has a good range of frames that you like and work something out with them that will be beneficial for both parties.
Thanks again for your awesome feedback, and happy painting to you too!
I thought i would update you all and let you know that you were right. Cheetah, is a corny name and certainly weakens the piece. So after some thought, i decided to name it, Untamed Treeline.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for giving me your thoughts, they are much appreciated.