Progressions and Obssessions - Chapter 2 (day 5)

Yesterday I thought this whole project was a crash and burn - even this morning I thought the same - wrote my RIP blog too....didn't post it tho. 

My left panel 730 was completed as a single painting which I did (see below) - I simply didn't like it with the other 2. 

If I want the original 2 panels to work I need another right hand panel and I can't get around it either; especially if I don't want a middle seam.......Gurrrr 

I really wanted a fresh start and not waste any more time but this is an unresolved issue that won't go away.........NOW WHAT? 

 REWORKED 683 PANELS 

Basically there is nothing wrong here other than subtly calling for a 3rd panel to balance it out as a single composition - if I do it, I'll surely encounter other problems - however this is not bad looking and perhaps worth more time.

I have a blank panel, so there is nothing in the way other than a trip to Norfolk tomorrow morning. Good timing - it gives me some down time to ponder it a bit more...nothing like a good drive to sort things like this out....progress:=)

MY ONE BRIGHT SPOT - NOW SINGLE

730 Koi and Algae 60x48 oil on linen (8-26-12)

 Detail panel 3 

This is my favorite section of painting over the last (5) days. The one in blue and yellow pattern ROCKS! 

If I do the 3rd panel, it's reasonable to think this could possibly still work as a transition panel...hope someone buys it first!

Later!

Progressions and Obsessions - Chapter 2 (day 4)

4th Day and a new lesson - aside from yesterdays...LOL! Today I inadvertently encroached too far into my center panel and at the end of the day it diluted my cadmium sky even more......typical salvage job problems that can be solved....right!

I also have an issue with my right panel at the lower right corner - my colour is leading me out. Basically the composition is asking for another panel on my right side, but it won't solve my overall problem.

END OF DAY SHOT

 

Studio shot of all (3) panels

730/683 (3-panels) oil on linen 60x144 (8-25-12)

It's pretty clear the painting is calling for a a 4th panel on the right side to balance it out which I won't do.

683 Detail (lower right corner)

683 (2) right panels after modification - better but still wanting an additional right panel...gurrr

730/683 (left 2-panels) oil on linen 60x96 (8-25-12)

As two panels it almost works, but not for me! I don't mind seams but not in the middle!!

730 PROGRESS 

I am not in bad shape here at the end of my 4th day and making some progress. My Koi only requires some details - perhaps dressing them up a bit:=)

730 Left panel oil on linen 60x48 (8-25-12)

730 Detail

RECAP

I have a few issues with the original 2 panels and a possible solution.  I'm seriously leaning to my 730  panel as a standalone....something to ponder.

We'll see....




cc

Progressions and Obsessions Chapter 2 (day 3)

Getting out of the cadmium sky smoothly has been a struggle and trying to use the two original panels was perhaps not a smart move but maybe this is the learning cure I have to go through.  

Studio progress shot showing all (3) panels lined up

730-3Transition panel 60x48 oil on linen (8-24-12)

Most of  Friday was spent working my 730 panels background, breaking down large shadow areas at some level reducing fussy areas and increasing negative space......after awhile algae gets boring...another issue to deal with. 

Detail of Koi

Still not working on the Koi other than some edge shaping.

  PROJECT RECAP

There are some things I didn't care for at the end of my 3rd day. I originally thought I could transition out of  them but now I don't!

I still like the concept, but I think it needs more planning and a fresh start. But first, I have to work my way through these 3 panels making them presentable.....Later

Progressions and Obsessions - Chapter 2

While I'm waiting for my final set of 8x10 Progression frames (now Progressions 1) I spent some time pondered my next move Progressions 2......I already knew it revolved around 683 a very large 60x96 (2) panel painting I did last month. The cadmium sky reminded me of one of my Progression sun stages.....as always going with the flow it was an obvious move on my part.

Originally it was to be (3) panels for an overall of 144" or 12' but I hit a snag - not because of its size but because it lacked a serious reason to continue on with it other than a 20 or 26 foot wall needing to be filled....but could I fit it into a cohesive series about the suns progressions of light and colour?

My starting point!

 

683 Maymont Koi 60x96 oil on linen  (2) panels modified 7-29-12
(2nd version - I used the original as an under-painting)

My shot is in full sun because I paint under LED lighting rated at 5000 - daylight is 6000. When I'm painting this is how I see it.

The concept is simple, each panel is a standalone painting which will work with adjacent panels. So, the theme and scale will remain constant, only the colour will subtly move into the next stage with each added panel covering the suns same range similar to my 8x10s - as a set it will read and flow like a monolithic painting....perhaps my version of an art installation...

In any event I won't sell it until done. I have no time limit or the number of panels set to finish. The panels (as completed) will be on exhibit as a unit in my gallery until finished. However, people can put a hold on their favorite panel or panels as it progresses along - subject to its final outcome of the set. 

My concept established Wednesday I started the 3rd 60x48 panel 730 to go with the (2) I already had - 730 and 683 is now part of the progressions series as possibly the 3rd stage. 

Progress at the end of 2nd day

 3-panels together

As you can see I modified the the left hand (middle here) from the original - I basically diluted the cadmium sky and merged my new 730 panel - I still had some open area for a pair of Koi.

730 on left and 683 (left panel) on right

Here is how I left it last night - the panels are connected and my Koi are emerging - normally I would finish a Koi in one complete move - however it was late so I blended it into my background as a starting point for my next session. I also no longer need the 1st panel and stored it. Now I'll continue as if this were a single painting until my left panel 730 is complete....hopefully tomorrow:=)

Detail of how I left the Koi

Later!

Progressions an obsesion with space - Chapter 1

I'm pretty much obsessed with painting and my progression series - my 2nd set of (5) is complete. I'm starting to wondering about the 3rd...how do I push this thing beyond my little 8x10s?

I think it has my interest because it's challenging. It's easy to paint the sun at any stage, however it's not easy in a set of (5) because it needs to be consistent, as though it were one unit or one painting (accomplished with the 2nd set)

 

My 2nd set about 7' wide will require a 9' to 10' wall. I rather like the frames butting each other. 

Imagine if you will Monet not painting all of his series from the same spot. They would have simply been single paintings with no broader meaning; nor would each series read right when shown for the first time by his gallery.

His public loved it! He sold these things fast too....so I'm thinking it was because they were originally painted the same size and presented as a unit. In that day and time it was revolutionary, as the impressionist movement was, and must have been attention getting when viewed as a cohesive collection - today it might be the equivalent of an art installation we can immerse ourselves in and not necessarily for sale (Liz Miller comes to mind).  However, in Monets case it was for sale + everyone had a choice or a favorite stage they could buy and they did! Brilliant marketing - planned or otherwise for their day.

Doing my progressions series I experience many inconsistency issues - solving each as presented. Eventually it evolved and with that an understanding of what would be required to move forward. 

Artists like Koi grow experientially to their environment and I know it to be true. Progressions would never have evolved beyond a set of (5) framed 8x10s hung as a set on a 10 or 12 foot gallery wall, sold and soon forgotten about. But, like I said, this has become an obsession and in my case will require space. Space until a month or so ago I had no hopes of ever having, much less creative control of, became available. 

 Existing Space

In my current gallery situation in Richmond (my main gallery) I have a very nice gallery space with creative control which I change out every two months. The space holds a dozen or so paintings depending on size.  It's well designed and at 192 sq. it works remarkably well and I painted to it!

New Space

Like my Koi if you give me space I'll grow and soon fill it. My new space is is almost 600 sq. ft with12'-0" high walls and 3 large clean feature walls 15', 20' and 26'. 

The challenge.....:::=)

 view from entrance

view to back feature wall

view back to entrance (on right) 

I knew instantly walking in the space the first time, I need this to move forward as an artist. Thank you Jenni...:=)) 

I can paint for this space.....although no idea what! And until yesterday I didn't know either..... 

When I think about this, it is too funny - seeing a space, watching a sunrise while writing an e-mail along with 2 small 8x10 impressions would eventually answer that question. I only realized yesterday, again while writing yet another e-mail (night painter) exactly what I was doing. I am literally treating my new gallery space as a design project and Progressions was becoming the main design element.  Like Monet and his series paintings, all the elements will be for sale - cracks me up!! Love it!! An obsession with a reason and with such simple beginnings too..

SOLD!!

My May feature painting sold yesterday and is heading to Boston.

  

 

648 Koi and Lily Pads 44x40 Oil on linen (4-11-12)

Progressions 2 - a bit of success!

Sunday morning making the decision to start over I painted 725,726 and 727. By the last one I was seriously pooped!

726 Progression Sunrise - 1st stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-19-12)

(more detail in my suns eye but photo shop refused to show it) 

727 Progression Sunrise - 2nd stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-19-12)

 725 Progression Sunrise - 3rd stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-20-12)

 

 Monday 

 728 Progression Sunrise - 4th stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-20-12)

Since I was having great difficulty with my 4th stage I got smart and dug through my plein air studies and found a match to what I experienced that 1st day...duh!

 729 Progression Sunrise - 5th stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-20-12)

Lined up as a set

 Progression 2nd set on display shelf!

 Conclusion 

This was a really good move I have a good product and I'm happy with it! This is good to go - now I have to select a proper frame which I'll order from JFM, a great wholesale frame supplier for both standard and custom frames - you only need a valid resale number to see pricing and purchase. 

Success is sweet!

Progressions 2 - getting it right

I took my day off and worked on my studio space cleaning and a bit of wall painting. The next day Saturday, I got back to what has now become an obsession...painting!

Saturday morning I painted 723 and 724 hoping to replace my sets 4th and 5th stage. 

 723 Progressions Sunrise - 4th stage 8x10 oil on line (8-18-12)

Original 721 4th stage

 724 Progressions Sunrise - 5th stage 8x10 oil on line (8-18-12)
an acceptable replacement

 Original 5th stage

 Shown as a set with new replacements (hard to see here)

I sorted out my issues of the 4th sun being to cool and the 5th sun in the wrong location.  As a set it works.....or does it? I handled my paint heavier not as soft as the original albeit not noticeable at 6 feet. On close up inspection it was obvious - my 5th stage could pass but not the 4th.

After sleeping on it I came to the conclusion not to waste anymore time making changes. The set has a flaw - better to start over.

Progressions 2 - Presentaion

Thursday I started my painting day off by working on framing ideas for the 1st set of Progressions 2. At the beginning of the series I pulled out (5) matching 3 1/2" pre-made frames I previously painted black.....good enough for temporary studio frames, certainly not a gallery. So using these frames as a starting point I placed the framed set on my painting shelf.....I wanted to spend the day studying the group as a whole while doing my artist chores. 

My 2nd step: Presentation - how?

 

My first impression...not bad! Done right they could  easily hold a wall.

Closeup View

1st Stage

2nd Stage

3rd Stage

4th Stage 
(a bit too cool)

5th Stage 
(suns placement and size not right - drat!)

At the end of my day I had a small issue with stage 4; it's a bit too cool. I need to do something about it sooner than later. Since it's dry,  a thin glaze might work. But looking at the painting closer, it's solid, so I'll leave it alone and possibly paint a new 4th stage. 

Also, looking at them vertically here, I don't like the placement of my sun in the 5th stage. It needs to be larger too and noticeably lined up side-by-side, which is how I expected to hang the collection. However, someone else, including myself, may want to do it vertical....so this clearly has to be fixed.

I did check my stages against an actual sunrise and I'm on target. But with a moving target where do you draw the line in the sand - in my case I need distinct stages so my next painting session I'll work on stages 4 & 5 until I get it right. 

  

Some upcoming events to share

I wasn't really in painting mode after completing painting 721 so I shifted to other artist duties which included art submissions to ChildSavers a Richmond regional charity I'm interested in.

I had a submissions deadline for ChildSavers Artist Show, a fundraiser held every year in October at the glave Kocen gallery a local Richmond gallery.
 
The Artist Show is an exciting opportunity to showcase ChildSavers' story of hope and healing provided to children and families in our community. The Show spotlights the importance of art in how children learn and experience their world and achieve emotional healing through Art Therapy. 

This will be my first year participating in this wonderful event. I'll have (2) paintings included; 692 and 704. - sale proceeds go to benefit ChildSavers - in my case 100% 

My ChildSavers submissions 

 

  704 Helping Hands - Maymont 24x24 oil on linen (8-10-12) @ $3450

Helping Hands was painted with this show in mind.

 692 Koi & Lily Pads 44x40 oil on linen (7-23-12)  @ $7950

I was hoping because of its size it would get some collectors attention just in case my 24x24 didn't - believing size matters:=)

 My OPA submissions paid off

To my delight I also received notification from OPA (Oil Painters of America) one of my two submissions, 669 Koi and Lily Pads was accepted for the October 2012 Eastern Regional Exhibition at Bennington Center for the Arts in Bennington, Vermont. 

 Accepted

 669 Koi & Lily Pads 30x30 oil on linen (6-13-12) @ $5950

Rejected 

680 James from Belle Isle 24x24 oil on linen(6-30-12) @ 3250

I thought it might be fun sharing both - I used an opposites approach thinking it might increase my odds....in truth there is no way of knowing but I'm in and that's what counts here!

All in all I think they chose the right one because my Koi will have a broader market appeal in Vermont than our James will.  Although the James is dear to the hearts of us locals, I'm not sure Vermont would get real excited about hanging it on their walls....Yankees and all. Can't believe I said that!

I know in some cases the gallery also has a say in the jury process and that makes sense....after all they give their space, time and money to these events. Aside from the obvious prestige they are in business to make a profit. Hummmm.....me too!

.

Progressions 2 - with a plan with a goal

Yes, a plan and a goal - one of the most important things for a successful outcome and clearly in this case one which evolved from Progressions 1

I was ready to start armed with the concept of painting a full cohesive set of the suns progressions including marketing, presentation and selling the collection. 

My first step is a quality product - yes in this case art is a product and will be treated as such.

After studying my previous sunrise paintings I decided if they were to be hung or framed as a set I needed an odd number like (3) or (5) to look balanced....just good basic design principles. I needed at least five of the suns distinct stages so I opted for a set of (5). I also wanted to hold any reasonable size wall and as always when I paint to sell it's only for the best walls. 

Progressions 1 ended with painting 716. So early Tuesday morning, fully energized from a "mission accomplished",  I painted 717, 718, 719 and 720....yep! (4) 8x10s in one painting session - easier with a fresh start and a plan. 

I was also thinking of this as one painting not 5 separate panels so consistency was important to keep my energy going. Spreading the project out over a number of days would certainly dilute that. 

717 Sunrise - 3rd stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-14-12)

As you can see I started in the middle (stage 3) using the divide and conquer method working out from center thinking it would fortify my consistency, one of the main issues in Progressions 1

 718 Sunrise - 2nd stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-14-12)

  719 Sunrise - 1st stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-14-12)

 720 Sunrise - 4th stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-14-12)

At this point my energy was waning fast so knowing when to quit! I did! 

Wednesday morning bright and early and still energized from yesterdays work,  I competed the set by painting my 5th stage 721

  721 Sunrise - 5th stage 8x10 oil on linen (8-15-12)

Time to study and evaluate

During Progressions (1) I installed a long shelf (eye level) on the wall behind my easel to line my little 8x10 paintings up. Now I had a full set of (5) lined up in sequence to study and evaluate.

My painting shelf with all (5) stages 

The colour reproduction is not bad - the horizons look good and the suns ascension is acceptable so none of my main issues going in.........progress:=)

My first step completed I can contemplate the second step (how to present my little collection) while spending the rest of the day attending to other artist duties.