Metz Vase with Carnations
14 x 11
oil on Pintura Supremo
block in and thumbnails to try out compositional ideas
variations in firing temperatures results in zinc crystals forming
I am committed to still life while I learn more about how to handle oil paint (this is my 40th oil painting since I started with oils in October 2010). Especially since both Thomas Kitts and Eric Jacobsen insisted that I paint from life and not photos as I learn this medium. Thanks a lot guys! Plein air is tough when it's raining and cold.You can see the process I used for this painting. Following Eric Jacobsen's instruction, I sketched four thumbnails to try out various designs for my composition. Next, following Thomas Kitts' instruction, I blocked in the big shapes and toned the canvas with paint thinned with Gamsol. The final painting is rough and unfinished, which is a perfect expression of my feelings today.
To spice up my paintings and to keep myself from getting bored, I decided to indulge in the purchase of a new vase. Michael Metz has his beautiful ceramic work in many galleries, but I fell in love with one I saw at Aurora Gallery in Vancouver. As I understand it, Metz varies the temperatures during the firing time and zinc crystals form in amazing patterns on the surfaces of his pieces. I think they look like ginko biloba leaves!
Whenever I listen to "Sing, Sing, Sing" I hear the primitive beat of the drums and feel my heart shift its rhythm to match.
