Once again we celebrate our respective holidays – gatherings of family, joy, peace – or not! And once again, I’ve reworked this painting! I’ve been at it off and on for 4 years now. Recently, I even sanded down much of the bottom and lower right. I sanded back to the white of the panel. Notice how lustrous those grapes look on the right side. Painting layers of transparent color over a white board gives you the brightest most intense and reflective translucent color. Applying opaque colors is beautiful also – it just depends on the look you want to achieve. I added the bit of cloth and fringe. The bit of white livens the painting over all. I wanted to leave the foliage loose and abstract, though it received a touch up as well.
I can still remember the moment I photographed the lady in the window. She saw me looking at her. I motioned to the camera and looked back up at her – my way of asking permission. I remember that moment of connection with her. She nodded yes, gave me a warm smile – even waved. I wanted “the wave” in the painting but her arm and hand were positioned so awkwardly – I couldn’t make it work.
Below: This is a first time I painted a barn, trees, a field of grass. It was fun. I enjoyed it so much in fact, I painted it twice!
I didn’t like the trees I painted initially so I sanded down that part of my painting. I used an electric sanding machine rather than a sanding block – I was aggressive. I was pleasantly surprised when my trees were were immediately simplified and had a level of abstraction. Artist frequently say that removing paint is as important as putting it on. This is an example and I need to employ this as a technique more often rather than as a last resort. In 2022, my only resolution will be to sand off more paint.
I wishing you the best during this holiday season. Winifred
love that pastoral scene!
Thank you Sapna. I love barns so it was fun to paint. Winifred
Lots to see here! I love how the grapes really stand out in the first one. I really liked the barn and farm. I can see the sunlight coming through the trees which gives it a real multidimensional feel. Makes me want to be there!
Happy holidays to you too! We are having quiet ones here in England but no snow!
Hi Nancy,
Grapes have long been a favorite of mine to paint. I would love to have a looser approach to them but my hand keeps wanting to make rather tight spheres. I like them also. Glad you like the still life. Stay well. Winifred