Paint paint paint!

Well, it's to the cave for me all weekend, working on a Septenber exhibit. As I mentioned in my previous post, I have six plein air paintings I am using as reference to make six larger pieces.

This is my first one.The study is in the prior post. Contrary to my original plan, it is not high key. I preferred to painting a local tone approach, since it was an overcast day and lent itself to it already. I think the drawing is there now and I like it much better than the small one. But it seems dreary or lacking something. Any ideas?

Lost in Translation

I'm in the process of taking small plein air paintings and translating them into larger paintings. My plan is to work as much as possible from the original  and not rely too much on photos. I'm not so concerned with making an accurate reproduction of either the original or what was really there, but rather just want to create a strong painting, Easy enough, eh?

Can you say Oh no?!  No one I know wants to paint the same painting twice. But I've committed to this project and just hope that I haven't gotten myself into a pickle.

But as I see it, I have a lot of options, and will be able to stay clear of painting the same piece as before. Take this little 8x8, soon to be a 24x24. It's a simple high key little piece that works as a miniature. When translated to 3 times its original size, the drawing must be stronger to support the composition. I'd also rather push it to a much closer, high value structure. While the building will remain the center of interest compositionally, I want it to draw the eye to it by the use of color and line rather than put a lot more detail in the house itself.

I'll post the results and we'll see if the plan changes as the painting emerges.