Friday 12 February 2010

HILLSIDE RETREAT

Sorry I have not posted for nearly a week - due to two reasons. The first I had trouble with all scrolling. The minute I tried to move down or across screen, it jumped right back to where it had begun!!!! Absolutely no way to try to add text or images. Anyway completely sorted at last including purchase of a brand new ergonomic Microsoft keyboard as the other one was 10 years old. However, it turned out to be the wireless mouse I have had for some years.

Oh! yes, the other reason - I am in the middle of a major project, I will tell you about when its all finished. Patience now!!

Anyway, to return to my stay at Anita's, I played with another acrylic in the style of Mick Waite (remember the DVD we watched?) and here is what developed based on an Italian photo in a holiday magazine. Bit heavy really, with lots of thick paint applied with big brushes. Needless to say, being me, I really developed the flower border in the front.


Just a couple of close ups for you to see the simplicity and different ways the strokes were applied. Maybe these images will enlarge with a click to get even more detail.



Very bright colours though, but then I suppose I was thinking of the strong light in Italy, even if the sky looks overcast. It all really reminds me of my very early work when I first started using acrylics umpteen years ago.

9 comments:

Christiane Kingsley said...

Joan, this is a very nice painting and I love the textures in your flower border.

DJ said...

Very alla prima with that brushstroke yumminess I love!
Anita's was fun, wasn't it?

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Forgot to say one of Mick Waite's prima techniques is to never draw but simply go straight in with the big brush and block in, just accepting how the proportions and placement turn out. Sure makes for a unique painting.

Sandra Rowney said...

Ouch! Never draw? Just accept how things turn out? I'll have to watch that DVD tonight so I can yell at it!!!!!

cathyswatercolors said...

Hi Joan, The painting isn't heavy, I love a good brush stroke and textures. The light is really nice and leads your eye about. Funny when I comment to you I seem to get a british accent :) Of course the flowers make my heart sing and especially love them peaking out at the front.

DJ said...

Joan, enjoy the freedom of putting paint to ground without an initial drawing. As you know, it's a "freeing" approach and builds confidence with every painting. Occasionally, I'll sketch in my tighter realistic subjects, but always go back to throwing paint on the canvas when I need to express personal issues or feel that pure joy.
At any rate, have fun!

Margaret Ann said...

What beautiful depth and warm sunny glow to this piece...Your flower border adds such happy energy! :)

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Thanks everyone for your encouragement, but it is not one of my own favourites but fun to do.

Christiane Kingsley said...

Joan, I have just awarded you the Sunshine Award because I admire your art so much.
Please come to my site when you can to see the list of the other recipients.

I don't want to add to your busy schedule so feel free to pass the award to others as informally as in your thoughts :-)