Wednesday, April 28, 2010


Clergy St., South  10" x 12"  O/P

This was an interesting piece to paint in that the panel that I painted on was a white gessoed panel. I know that I missed the stained background that I normally use, namely the reddish stain. It seemed that while painting, I was continually adjusting the colours to make up for the lack of that look of  'warmth'  that is provided by the red under painting.
The palette for this painting was the same as the previous painting. I think that by comparison, at least by my eyes, the warmth of the former is obvious.
I find this to be interesting, as it has been awhile since I last painted on a white panel or canvas.
Perhaps it would be appropriate for me to remember that saying, " If it ain't broke, don't fix it..."  :~)

..'til next

11 comments:

René PleinAir said...

Why not combine the two things by a little sketch and than stain the necessary areas?

Btw. the car, ... isn't that car a little too small?

You only can develop when you'r willing to try new things Frank, but I guess you knew that already.

I like this one btw. somehow it's a fresh one.

Keith Tilley said...

This is something I keep wondering about.

When I'm using acrylics, I get the feeling that a white ground makes the paintings look brighter and fresher. Maybe it's because the paint is transparent.

On the other hand, I feel the need to cover the white ground completely, otherwise it looks patchy. A coloured ground seems to become part of the painting.

Frank A. said...

Howdy Rene Thanks for the suggestion. ..Haha..been there done that !

Yup, it's a small car.. I had to make it fit the garages across the street. yuk,yuk. (They were painted first.)
But, thanks for the comment, Rene.

Happy painting.

Frank A. said...

Keith. I think that we are on the same wave length. I felt the same way about the white ground. On top of that, I felt that the painting also had a cold or cooler look or feel where the paint was more transparent or not covering the surface. A coloured surface seemed to solve the problem without having to go back and 'cover up '.

" On the other hand, I feel the need to cover the white ground completely, otherwise it looks patchy. A coloured ground seems to become part of the painting."

Yes, I agree.. Funny, before I began covering the background, it always seemed a challenge attempting to mix the same colour values as around the 'white holes' in order to cover them up. As you say, 'still' patchy.
It certainly does nothing to help add a loose look or immediacy to a plein air painting.

Thanks for adding your experience to this post, Keith.
I Appreciate it !

Victor Errington said...

Yes, I agree with you Frank about the warmth. It is still a lovely painting though. All the best.
Vic.

Frank A. said...

Thanks very much, Vic ! Appreciate your thought.

John (JWJarts) said...

Just stumbled on your blog Frank and I'm glad I did. Great work.

brianlart said...

Hi Frank, your art is good very good can not mack up my mind which one i like the most.Brian

Frank A. said...

..Happy that you "stumbled" onto my blog, John.
I enjoyed your blog and visited your web site.
Wow, that site is something to be proud of! It is not unlike holding a newspaper in ones hands. ..Captivating articles for other artists and all !
Congratulations on it ! I Will be back..

Frank A. said...

Brian..Thank you for your comment on my paintings.

What a pleasure it was for me to be able to peruse your web site.
Very interesting and filled with great art, the perfect combination.

Stay well..

brianlart said...

Hi Frank, thank you for your comments on my art hope you are working hard and having a good day. see you soon.Brian