I have been working on this charcoal piece for about a month but I realize that it is so highly detailed in the reflexions, that it has kept me from posting other work on my blog. I think this will be the last of very detailed pieces, and I would like to do some much more simple but strong still lifes. I have this thing about finishing the work I have started before starting anything else because the set ups take up the space I need for something else, although it also might be the idea of not getting back to the piece, if I work on another piece. I am seriously going to work on changing that trait in me, and also post more WIPs if I don't finish a piece, soon. This one has quite a bit more work to be done and quite a few corrections. I know Michael Newberry is very busy with the opening of his gallery, so it probably won't be until after that, when he will be able to see this. One question I have in my mind about this charcoal still life is, if it is way to busy with the amount of detail going on in it. The peach is very small for the size of the pitcher, but it is done intentionally because of what it symbolizes next to this myriad of detail. It is also a Mexican peach that is very small, but incredibly juicy a tasteful. This will not be the final peach because I will leave it to the very last, until I find the exact peach to use for the drawing.
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11 comments:
Mary, you are a glutton for punishment with all this detail, but you handle it well. This is looking very nice so far and I have no doubt that Michael will lead you well.
I love the detail in this and it amazes me how you can switch back and forth between realism and abstraction with such expertise in each.
I enjoy complex details and guessing at the symbolism of the pieces that make up the image.
Beautiful work.
I tend to have several pieces on the go at once. Usually something that involves detail - a drawing - and something that is freer such as a painting. Then if I need a break from one, there's always the other go reach for.
Stacy thank you! I think the hardest part is almost over unless I get a surprise from Michael.:)
Jeanette your words are encouraging, thank you. It is so hard for me to know in my work, if I'm in the right direction. I need a break from this, so I think I will start and oil I can work on in between this one. It will be good to see some color for a change.
Wow, Mary! This is most impressive! I could hardly take my eyes off the detail in the lace.
We are very similar in our thinking. I feel the need to finish one piece before I begin another. It's freeing to me to say, "Ahhh...done with that! Now I can move on to the next project." I hate things hanging around half finished but I too need to shift my logic. When I get tired of working on one piece I can switch to another instead of not painting at all which usually happens.
Oh wow Mary - you really don't do things by halves do you? Incredible detail.
I need to get something like this on the go myself to work on in the evenings.
Billie and Anita thank you for your comments. I think I will correct some things in it before going to the unfinished part. I'll try to blur the details a bit and then work on the unfinished area because they seem to throw my composition off. I also have to establish my three darks and lights. Then, I'll take a break and do a small oil that I can work on at the same time of day but day by day.
Anita I have found that it is easier and less stressful for me to work a little on something at the same time everyday. Michael suggested once to try to have two or three going and work maybe 20 min. on each, a day.
It is exquisite Mary. Your attention to detail is amazing!
Wow, Mary wonderful detail and I'm very drawn to the lace too but what strikes me most is the mood you've achieved in this work - very spiritual. Beautiful.
I can't work on more than one piece at once. I left an oil painting (with a lot of detail) because I was more excited about other ideas and I feel I'll probably never finish it now. And I hate not finishing things! :)
Well Mary it is so nice to hear from you and see that you have been doing some great work. I have no doubt that this piece will find a special place in your heart.
Details are what we are made of.
Stunning!
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