Saturday, August 30, 2014

Above the Silver Creek

                                                   watermedia on Yupo 26x20"

In a sense, this took eight years to paint. In July 2006 we were hiking in Silver Creek Falls state park and we rested on a bluff overlooking the water. In the bright sunlight high above the stream, it was difficult to make out exactly what I was seeing. There were golden highlights on the moss and rocks, foliage shifting with the breeze and silky water barely moving around the boulders. Reflected light was bouncing off of everything. I took some pictures which captured the spatial ambiguity, then I tried to paint it. Repeatedly. I never got it right, it felt like I wasn`t 'mature' enough yet. Well I have a new batch of Yupo from Cheap Joe`s that seems particularly responsive, so I gave it another go.

Nature in the Abstract by Lynne Cunningham

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4 comments:

Libby Fife said...

Even in a fairly small window this one looks outstanding! I like the ambiguity of it-that really appeals to me.

Just out of curiosity was it an image or a feeling or something else that you felt you weren't achieving with the previous attempts?

E.M. Corsa said...

Your colors and composition are incredible. Just beautiful.

John O'Grady Paintings said...

So glad you persevered Randall. As my eye moved in and around the painting,at each moment I was absorbed, congratulations.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I understand what you mean about your skills 'maturing' enough to take on such an abstract interpretation.
it is fabulous.
I have a similar photo which you inspire me to revisit.
Also, bought a small yupo pad and have yet to 'break it out'.
Wonderful work.