Tuesday, April 15, 2008

"Private Drive, No Exit" 10"x 12" Oil / Panel
Every early spring seems the same year after year. It is that time of "dullness", that time when the scarred signs of winter, left behind by the melted snow, are found to be discouraging to this outside painter. Many of the spring colours are dull and their values close together, making it harder to distinguish good "darks and lights" on the less than sunny days.
As spring advances we look forward to the fresh sites, smells and sounds and to be part of it all by being out there, painting.
The palette for this piece was Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Alizarin, Cadmium Red Medium, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow, Raw Sienna and Titanium White.
My support for this painting was my gessoed panel with a coat of number five value gray acrylic painted surface. Very little or no medium was used in the painting of this piece.
So, until the Black Flys arrive, happy spring painting.
'til next

16 comments:

Bill Sharp said...

Nothing makes one appreciate plein air painting like trying it. I went out for my first of the year this past weekend and was disappointed to find that I still suck at plein air.

I love how you attack a canvas. This is fantastic.

Frank A. said...

Bill, Thank you.

"I went out for my first of the year this past weekend and was disappointed to find that I still suck at plein air."

This surprises me, considering the sketches of yours that I have seen.
Nice to see that you have not lost your sense of humor (STILL suck !)
Do not give up ! ... :-)

Thanks for dropping in.

Papierflieger said...

Great painting again Frank. There is no air unless it´s plein air :).Going out is an absolute must for me...

Keith Tilley said...

It's strange to see you writing about dullness, when my first reaction to the painting was how wonderful the colours were. I suppose that just shows how good a painter you are.

I know what you mean about finding good darks and lights, I have the same trouble on dull winter days, especially as there aren't many trees here.

Frank Gardner said...

I agree with Bill. I love how you attack a canvas.
I like these "dull" colors "with their values close together" You make it sing with the paint and your skill with the subtle colors. You know just when to stop and leave it alone.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and your kind words of support.
Funny how your spring and mine are so different. It is just getting hotter and drier for me. Not that much fun painting out right now. I'm trying to catch up on some studio work. Those smells you talk about won't be around here until late June -July when the rains kick in.

Frank A. said...

.."no air unless it´s plein air :)." ..Got that right, Martin.
I can see where that is an absolute must for you. Sort of like 'breathing', I'd say.
Nice to have your eye on these, Thanks.
Finally got to spend some time on your website. Thumbs up on that. : )

Frank A. said...

Yeo, Keith..!

Hopefully, as the days grow longer and warmer, we will have stronger shadows and high lights or 'values'.
Interesting that you do not have many trees.. I depend on them for most of my verticals . I will have to recheck your paintings.. : )

Frank A. said...

Frank.. your comparison of our respective springs is really interesting. I never would have thought it so. It usually gets to the "hot" temp. closer to mid July or first of August. The smells then become, 'hot summer'.
I appreciate your observations and comments. I have certainly had to take a more serious second look at this and a few other "early spring pieces". : )

Good luck with the studio pieces.

Stay cool !

Jeffrey J. Boron said...

I think you nailed the colours here Frank. Wonderful painting!

Jeffrey

Frank A. said...

Jeffrey..thanks for your support on that. (colours)
The closeness of the values had me concerned. I wasn't sure if it would have enough 'punch'.

Take care..

Wyn Easton said...

Hi Frank,

I love the movement in this piece.
Especially the sky.
Take care, Frank.

Bill Cramer said...

Wow. Just found your site via the Sage Group website. Like your work!

rob ijbema said...

when i first saw this,i thought of a battle fielsd after the battle
not much left but scared remains,then read your post and it all made sense...spring won't be long Frank

Frank A. said...

Hi Wyn, Sorry to be getting back to you so late. Spring house cleaning and life..well you know the story. : )Thanks for popping in and for your comments. Always nice to hear from you, a fellow artist.

Frank A. said...

Hi Bill.
Glad that you found me and decided to leave a comment. Much appreciated !
Had a chance to view your site.--"great stuff" and a good read.

Good luck with the upcoming show. I'd think you should do well.

Take care..

Frank A. said...

Hi Rob. Yup, you are right. I never thought of it as a war zone. I can see that.
The melting snow seems to always leave a mess.
Yes ,signs of spring are starting to show around here, especially the blossoms. They always get the juices flowing !

Thanks for dropping in, Rob.

Take care..