"The Landscape of Georgia O'Keefe"9" x 12" Oil
A friend has invited me to go with her to a Maggie Siner workshop in Provence in July. I was hesitant for several reasons -- Maggie is an oil painter as is my friend. Also, Bob and I will be riding our tandem bicycle from Florida to Maine to Vermont from April through June. I won't bore you with all the complications this presents. I was assured that Maggie's instruction is appropriate for any medium, so as my friend was heading off to New Zealand for three weeks, I said yes.
I found that I get allergic reactions when I am in close contact with someone painting in oils. I believe it is the Turpenoid that bothers me. Recently another friend offered me her water miscible oils so I could give them a try. Of course, I don't know how to paint in oils, but what the heck. I took a small canvas panel that had the beginning of an acrylic painting on it. I simply went over it with the oil paints, creating the shapes as I painted rather than drawing them onto the canvas. The shapes come from several snapshots I took while in New Mexico in October. This piece was certainly a challenge, but a pleasurable experience none-the-less. I seemed not to have any unpleasant health side effects. I'm hoping that I will fare okay in France as we will be painting plein air. I don't know if I will paint in these oils, acrylics, or my watercolors.
As far as this painting goes, I like the variety in the foreground, and would prefer more variation in the mountain. Being oils, I can easily make changes to my experimental piece.
I found that I get allergic reactions when I am in close contact with someone painting in oils. I believe it is the Turpenoid that bothers me. Recently another friend offered me her water miscible oils so I could give them a try. Of course, I don't know how to paint in oils, but what the heck. I took a small canvas panel that had the beginning of an acrylic painting on it. I simply went over it with the oil paints, creating the shapes as I painted rather than drawing them onto the canvas. The shapes come from several snapshots I took while in New Mexico in October. This piece was certainly a challenge, but a pleasurable experience none-the-less. I seemed not to have any unpleasant health side effects. I'm hoping that I will fare okay in France as we will be painting plein air. I don't know if I will paint in these oils, acrylics, or my watercolors.
As far as this painting goes, I like the variety in the foreground, and would prefer more variation in the mountain. Being oils, I can easily make changes to my experimental piece.
7 comments:
Hi Mary. Love the painting. I smiled as I read because I recently bought some water soluble oils, and Sean Dye's book arrived in the mail yesterday. I looked at it but I might go your "what the heck" way and just jump in--paint; then read. (Or I could wait until you take a class.) For several days I have been cleaning out my workshop; boy, do I have a lot of supplies--I actually made a list.
A bike ride from Florida to Maine & Vermont? I won't be trying that!
Mary- your painting is gorgeous! I too have water soluble oils and have only used them once. I didn't like how long it took for the canvas to dry but the colors are awesome.
I can't wait to hear more about your upcoming trip! I wouldn't make it 10 miles.
Hallie, I am sure you will be far more successful than I with "what the heck." Try and tell me how you did it!
Pam, I would love to see what you do with the oils. The colors are vibrant. I must admit I am totally confused as to what medium I want to paint in. I love watercolors. I have a hard time with acrylics and oils as I am a newby. I like pastels but I've never finished a iece using them.
These are gorgeous!
Hi Mary, I like the rich color you achieved. I rather like the mountain. In any case, it has a stark, Southwestern feel. Someone else was telling me about water miscible oils. I applaud your courage! And, wow! What a bicycle ride. Oh, read a book or two on Cezanne, or Palette magazine's article on Cezanne, before going to Provence...if you like!
This piece is beautiful. I love the colors and your simplifying of the subject. You certainly captured the landscape of Georgia O'Keefe. Happy New Year!
Jean
Thanks to Timothy and Alina, first time visitors!
Peggy, I do like the stark mood in this landscape. It fits the area.
Jean, you are the master of simplicity, which is what I admire about your paintings. Thanks for commenting.
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