The first photo is without a flash (I tried to show as many color nuances as possible as they vary with reflections and lighting). The second one is meant to show the iridescent pearl (reflections from buckling are artifacts). I used transparent glazes to attenuate iridescence in the background area and to avoid competition with the main subject. I think I'm off to the races with this technique... and I see definite potential for my "macha" series.
I'm still dabbling in pool water design, focusing on the "mind like water" state of mind. One more pass and I think I'll get what I want... sort of!
Although I still need to work on this new technique of late, this portrait is more visceral than the first one... so maybe I'm on to something... a new discontinuity in my art!
Although I don't want to make iridescence the cornerstone of my art, I'm curious to explore limits and possibilities with this avenue. In light of my "half failure" with this experiment, I see potential in using iridescence alla prima, like I just did with this 2nd layer or using it in the underpainting... but leveraging it. For the latter option, my usual method of painting with multiple transparent layers would be more appropriate. I realize there is no point using an iridescent underpainting if it's going to be obliterated for the most part by an opaque layer...
I tried iridescent copper and steel in the underpainting. The copper was smothered in paste and azo gold, so I lost the iridescence: I was too timid to use unadulterated copper! Moreover, I put streaks of steel in my dark background, only to find out that this generated way too much reflection for my liking! Needless to say, I'll have to revert back to my old ways to complete this painting. As for iridescence, if this first attempt was not too brilliant (pun intended), there is always the next time... to shine... and rise to the occasion!
... with this water scene, a manner of speaking. I had to find a solution quickly since I can tread water for only so long! This painting is just for my personal pleasure... makes me feel good!
... using both the painting knife and the brush at the same time with both hands being occupied (I'm getting sloppy!). I'm not too serious about this one... considering the exercise as merely a "painting vacation" while still painting! I'm saving highlights and reflections for last...
Painting water has this suiting effect on me... just thinking about color and movement but not much else... gee, like painting in an abstract fashion! This is a 30 X 30 canvas.
... to see how it would feel. My method remains more or less the same as I tend to work transparently at least at the initial stage. I may have pushed this one too far for curiosity's sake in the exploration of a new technique; step one was already compelling and quite artistic in my view (although a bit raw)... step two looks more like a conventional portrait. I now see potential in trying to go for a finish on the first pass flat after the elaboration of the background! Once I gravitate to a larger format, the painting knife will kick in and I will be after much more abstracted renditions. Looks like I may be able to survive this new series! The title for the above painting will be: "Who do you think you are?"... it's a go!
For the time being, the garden is filling my artistic needs! I've got two paintings to complete though...
This was the result after 45 minutes of work on a loose piece of canvas (20 X 24)... I want the face to emerge totally natural with vibrant colors while capitalizing on the imperfections from the background. I see an advantage in separating abstraction from figuration, i.e., dealing with them separately (the background was done first). It's sort of akin to not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time!
... but using flowers instead of paint! Although my mind should not make any difference, I'm starting to get itchy feet on the artistic painting side. Psychologically speaking, it seems to be a mixed bag of "wanting to verify if I'm still able to paint" and "simply wanting to paint again"!
... that I captured at a friend's place last year. As I took the picture, the sun flashed in the pool area creating unbelievable light effects. Although the girl was once featured in the Toronto Sun as a sunshine girl... I want to make water reflections the primary focus!
All in all, it was a good experience on textural effects and the use of highly saturated colors. Pure abstraction still escapes me... but if I keep confronting this demon... I'm bound to see the light at the end of the tunnel one of those days! Hopefully, it's not gonna be a train!
... things are looking up!
