Contrary to how I always work, this did not come from a visit with a mountain. Not recently anyway. This unwound after covering two previous failed paintings, the last one a larger version of this view of Oswego Lagoon. I turned the canvas 180 degrees and began painting it with light colors. I was just trying to cover it up before beginning something new. Then this landscape took shape as I was concealing the dud. From the top working to the bottom, each new section fell into place. It was a strange experience and what is most odd is how specific a place it looks like. I definitely broke rule #5!
Though I have trouble believing that is Richard Diebenkorn`s handwriting, the language and tone sound exactly right. These were notes he wrote for himself and he would probably be horrified to know they were now widely read. When I worked with him in 1985, he noted my interest in patterns but advised I must always 'violate' them. He was right. By interrupting the repetition, the whole feels less 'designed' and there is greater figure/ground integration.
Such a beloved, influential painter! He was gone much too soon.
Above was a piece done about a year before the month long workshop with Diebenkorn. I was doing lots of paintings with layers, stacking up the landscape elements like a tower.
This was done soon after. I wrenched myself, with his encouragement, from those orderly rows.
My show with Tom Cramer proceeds at the Museum 510 gallery space in downtown Lake Oswego. The official hours are limited Tues.-Fri. 11-4, but if anyone would like an 'after hours' look, I have access to the gallery. Just give me a call; 503 380 4731
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Tom and I will be speaking about the work in an informal talk Thurs. evening, March 19 at 6:30 pm.
The following Thurs. March 26, I will be giving a demonstration at the gallery at 11 am. All are welcome.
In my own studio, I will be demonstrating with watermedia this Sat. March 14 at 10 am. 5373 Lakeview Blvd. Lake Oswego 97035
The city of Lake Oswego is having another plein air festival! Read all about it here! I`m participating and need some companions to paint with! My community is a beauty, lots of good places to paint! The public is invited to watch us.
The exciting Willamette Falls Legacy Project is entering its next phase! It won`t be too long before something gets built! Oregon City is about to be reborn!
In closing, here is an article which was posted by encaustic artist Linda Robertson on Facebook. It`s about creativity and time management. It sure helped me understand my obsessive need to paint and the social fallout from that. It gets more intense with age. I`ve come to really resent sleeping for instance. When I was young, that was near the top of my list of pleasures! Now I force myself to bed. The great British artist Frank Auerbach began sleeping in his studio and refused social invitations at 78. He felt he was running out of time. I`m happy he`s still with us at and now 83.
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4 comments:
Randall,
My friend, who is 77, has told me that she keeps going on such a busy schedule because she doesn't have much time left.
The article you cited was a good one. It made me think about my own need for balance and how that balance fluctuates. (And why I get irritated!)
Wish I could hear that talk! And what does that last sentence mean, if I can ask?
Libby
Love the new oil painting.
There are no rules my friend! And I love Parade, one of my favorites of yours.
I checked out Richard Diebenkorn. His work, especially his landscapes, truly moved something in me.
I often wonder why I don't move in this direction myself yet my soul won't let me go too far from my creatures and clouds.
Hi Randall,
Congrats on the great looking show; hope it's going well.
Love this post. So much great stuff to see, read and learn.
We're just in the beginning stage of a move, though it's just within our current building, so I've been a bit busy and am catching up now.
Take care and enjoy the weekend.
Sincerely,
Gary.
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