Sunday, October 31, 2010

How Many Paintings Within a Painting? -- Work in Progress






Cropped images from "Purple Rings"
Acrylic on canvas


I'm currently working on a 36" x 36" painting.  It's been awhile since I've painted a canvas this large.  In fact, this is the first time I've actually worked on a square canvas of this size.  It always amazes me how many interesting images can be found within an image.  Erin Spencer is currently exploring this concept with her "little details" oil paintings.  You might want to check out her blog and Etsy shop. :)



I tried my darndest to capture raindrops hitting the surface of the rainwater that I have allowed to accumulate in this 12" high vase/candle holder.  Finally caught one, but the picture was blurry.  Well, this one is a little bit "soft focus", too, but I liked what was happening through the vase below the surface.


My neighbor's tree delights me throughout the year. 
It has the most lovely branching pattern (to say nothing of the leaves!)

Happy Halloween !!

 (I've eaten half our candy!  Well - almost, anyway...)

Thanks for visiting....



20 comments:

annamaria potamiti said...

Iy's so interesting to follow your process. I haven't worked on anything that large for about a uear. And I don't think I have ever painted a square painting that large either.I ama with you, eager to see how things develop.xx

novembergrass said...

Wonderful peeks... looking forward to seeing the whole painting. I love to work square, paint or stitch, small or large.

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Annamaria, I've run into a few technical challenges working this large, but I love the size of the canvas on the walls in my home. It has a definite "presence."

Novembergrass, Thank you! Yes, I think the love of the square ties back into our love of grids. Many lovely works on your blog!!

Laura said...

the painting is beautiful.

ELFI said...

même délicatesse entre les dessins et les photos.. !

Anonymous said...

What a coincidence! I am working on a collage that is 30"x40". I've started making the cradle for another. Talk about technical difficulties! Thank goodness for Youtube tutorials. Oh, I LOVE working in the square. It is so roomlike or boxlike! Good luck!

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Thanks so much Laura! I might have to try a few of these simpler compositions -- in this or other palettes. Loved your painting in your post yesterday!

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Hi Elfi,

thanks for visiting and commenting. I do not know French, but this is the translation Google provided: "conscientiously between drawings and photos .."

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Hi Mary, I look forward to seeing what YOU are working on!! Best...

LAC EMP 2020 said...

I'd love to see the whole painting when it's finished Gloria but you are so right about pictures within pictures. The square format works for me every time. There is some very subtle shading and merging of colours here which work so well. Do show us when it's done please? Lesley

Victoria said...

I've always liked the concept of looking at the bits that make up the whole. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

layers said...

love the small sections of your painting and your other imagery is beautiful too.

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Victoria, So nice to have a visit from you! (Love, LOVE visiting your blog!) I'll have to mull over your comment which, especially in the case of quilting,collage and surface pattern, could have a slightly different slant to it, -- as in repetitive or additive rather than the idea of simplifying a composition by zooming in and cropping it. Of course, it could be a little of both: simplify, then repeat!! Hmmm.... Best...

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Hi Lesley, I'll see if I can get a photo of the painting that I'm happy with. (That's assuming I reach a point of relative satisfaction with the painting!!) Hoping to get back to it in the next few days. Thanks for your comments. (Just back from a visit to your blog. The collaged dogs were wonderful!

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Donna, Thanks so much for visiting and for your kind comments! Your work and environments always epitomize the concept of careful editing -- Everything always so lovely!

Heather Kirtland said...

I'm loving the direction the new large piece is going in! Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Hi Heather, Thanks for stopping by!
I'm trying to get up the nerve to tackle some "issues" the painting has! I'll see how it goes...

marie-louise said...

beauty!

Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gloria Freshley Art and Design said...

Marie-Louise, I'm so glad you discovered me so that I could discover you! Everything about your work and your blog is fabulous and I'm looking forward to following along. Best....Gloria