First the quote by Edgar Payne. I started reading his book "Composition of Outdoor Painting". The context is "art talent":"To say that the artist is born and not made, is only partly true. Actually, while it (talent) is an important qualification, there is no proof of real worth in talent until it has been developed and expanded by a tremendous amount of serious study and plain hard work".
SO TRUE!
Yesterday I returned to Eagle Lake anxiously wanting to see if it was spared the tornado and severe thunderstorms that swept through this area late last week. Largo, where Eagle Lake is located, reported damage from the tornado so I was concerned about the Canadian Geese nesting on the little island that I've done in thumbnails several times. Also I sketched two Moorhens "on their honeymoon" last month in the same area. I was thrilled to see the Canadian Geese guarding their nest AND the two Moorhens taking their four babies for a swim. The Moorhens are known for walking on the vegetation in the water - and, sure enough, the four babies were learning how to walk on the water lily leaves. It was a real sight to see. Eagle Lake was spared any damages which was a great relief.
So here is the latest work and I feel it is paying off to consistently be thumbing it. While observing nature I'm much more aware of what would make a good thumb. I'm getting more comfortable with editing, and seeing more of "the essence" of an object rather than every minute detail. Although there is beauty in the details, I just don't have to relate each one!
To all you thumbies, don't just sit on your thumbs! Start thumbing it on the highways and byways. People with give you a lift! Or we can give each other a lift when we see those thumbs. Before you know it, you will have a "two thumbs up" from the rest of us.
I'm just saying... ;>)
Great post Phoebe! I plan to turn up the heat on some of the slackers in the workshop who I know have not been "thumbing" so I'm glad you will be here as a positive example!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, thumbing is important, especially if you're not sure about the composition. So you leave out the values and colours and all the little details.
ReplyDeleteThe trees are very important for you, as I see it. They look great. I'd like to look at the next stage/stages of your painting. O:-)
Thanks Deborah. Glad to be of help in the workshop. I just received your email "A Painting Life" and loved the painting "Morning on the Flats". Your compositions are so tremendous and inspiring. I can see why Edger Payne is one of your favorites.
ReplyDeleteI also really enjoyed the Florida poem.
Hi Ulrike, I've been concentrating on thumbs and underpaintings for Deborah's workshop in two weeks. At that time I will be doing the next stages. I'll be glad to post them when I return from the workshop.
These are looking wonderful Phoebe and thanks for the interesting post on. I can also see that the trees are very special to you.
ReplyDelete