Years ago when I was new to New Mexico, an older relative remarked she preferred the look of trees in the winter. I thought this was ridiculous, delusional and an effort to be positive. Now I understand. The bare tree shows it`s struggle and ambition. She was empathizing and excited by the sheer energy revealed. This is challenging to paint for sure, so much explosive detail! The way I work, my subject must be pursued through painterly means. I don`t want to paint a lot of individual branches and I don`t want to paint around a branch. An integrated figure/ground relationship to be technical. That`s the ideal anyway.
4 comments:
It's stunning.
There's a Rumi quote that's perfect for this:
"Don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter; its roots are down there riotous."
Glynn is right, this is stunning. And if "painterly means" is how you achieve this result, keep using it.
Beautiful job, Randall. I, too, struggle with wanting to paint the bare trees in winter but not every branch and twig. Plus, the surface I'm working on does not really permit such action. You've solved the problem and captured the essence and, especially, the marvelous feeling of winter color.
Beauty!
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