Complete
The making of a painting, from the first blush of color of the canvas to the moment when it’s not just finished but complete:
Blocking in the image and getting the general color feel down.
Pulling back from the cartoon-y black outlining.
Noting the highlights.
Turning up the contrast by adding some dark areas.
Making a mess of the work to get over whatever was encouraging me to stay safe in this piece.
Cleaning up the mess a bit.
Coming in with quinacridone gold—an intense golden pigment that is essential for capturing the coloring of someone with red hair.
Softening the painting…
...and then solidifying it again.
Pulling back from the candy colors in her face…
...and then re-introducing them.
Softening again.
And solidifying.
The home stretch.
Gwenn Seemel
Courtney
2009
acrylic on canvas bag
15 x 16 inches
(detail below)
The painting is done, but it isn’t complete...
...until it meets its subject!
The painting of a painting is just the beginning of its life. The meat of an artwork’s story—where all the interesting things happen—comes after it has left the studio.
And where my You Bags are concerned, the work might not be complete until the tote is worn and frayed, abused and adored like a favorite pair of comfortable shoes. I’m not saying that wall art isn’t important and right and maybe even better (sometimes), but I am saying that my You Bags tend to be just a bit more vital. They put art back in its proper place: in the every day.
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CATEGORIES: - Process images - Philosophy - You Bag -
