handmade paper Seascape Painting Process continued

Have been photographing small works that I had custom framed a year ago.  My framer friend Ron, whom I've been working with since 1997 saved miles of scrap moldings for me and made small frames that would fit these paintings, which I nicknamed "tiles" because they are square (how original!).  Anyway, this is one of my favorites.  It's a small painting, but I love the sense of the whole sea it captures in such a small space.  ordering information

Seascape Tile (2005). Handmade paper.  Tile: 6 x 6; framed: 12.5 x 12.5. , 150.00

Handmade paper Seascape Painting Process continued

Handmade paper seascape sculpture (2010).  22 x 11 x 3 (framed in custom made shadow box stained oak frame under glass).  250.00.

This photograph shows the painting immediately after over-beaten pulp has been added.  The pulp is still wet, thus the shinny reflection on the surface.  I add several colors at once, unblended, for the sandy path.  The unblended colors allow for a more natural appearance (sandy versus too smooth and over-worked).  The trick to working from nature is to let the subject breath through the work.  Never try to direct the painting too much.  Allow the work to have a voice of its own as it moves toward the completed state.  This can be tricky for novice artists who want to test the boundaries of their talent.  But, leaving a work slightly unfinished and raw encourages the viewer to participate more in the painting and gives them an idea of how the creative process works. 

Handmade paper Seascape Painting Process continued

Crashing Waves (2010).  Handmade paper diptych, each panel 24 x 18.  2400.00.

I've always loved Renaissance art and the Diptych (two panel painting) is one of my favorite compositions.  In this painting, I have attempted asymmetry by having the waves plays off of one another-the waves on the left do not copy the waves on the right, but rather respond rhythmically to one another.

Now we’re making progress!  The addition of the greens which mimic the fauna of this environment push the composition forward.  I can see already that this composition will need colors added to it, i.e., artistic license, such as purples, reds and oranges, to boost the impact.  These colors will compliment the greens and browns replete in the painting.  

http://www.megblack.com http://www.megblackprints.com

Netherlandish Influence

I am working on two new paintings that are smaller versions of this one. Jacob van Ruysdael is one of my favorite artists. His division of the canvas into 1/3-with the sky taking up 2/3 of the space is masterful. Very difficult to make "sky" such an intricate part of the composition.

Handmade paper Seascape Painting Process continued

In this handmade paper painting, created in 2010 from cotton and abaca pulp, each 12 x 24 inch panel contains enough energy to carry the image, and yet at the same time compliments the surrounding panel. Available: 4000.00.