Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Grand Canyon Foreground Gesture

Here's another snapshot of a portion of the Grand Canyon painting that I'm still working on. I know, I know. It appears that I've not finished this yet, and that I'm rationing out photos of this monster. However, I do hope that seeing it in bits will add to the finished view and be more interesting to read when it's done. I recently went to the Grand Canyon Association's Plein Air on the Rim website and watched a short video (podcast really) of last year's event. Whoa! How inspiring. This area is on the left side of the 4' x 6' painting. It was a challenge because it is such a huge expanse. Time to take out the 3" brushes. It's an almost slap-dash area and I think that made all the difference.

12 comments:

Barbara Muir said...

This is so great. I love the three inch brushes, the great brush on a big canvas. I even have a five incher, but admit I don't use it often. I love seeing this painting in bits, and am so revved for the big reveal. You have to stand beside it, so we see just how amazingly big it is.


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Melinda said...

Oh, yeah, the large brushes really make a statement, don't they? It has to be about the gesture.

Thank you! I keep fooling myself into thinking this will be done in just two or more sessions. Ha.

cohen labelle said...

WOW! Melinda
I can’t believe how beautiful this painting is! The color is magnificent and your use of perspective is brilliant – it’s just wildly exciting to look at!!!
Virtual hugs,
Marcia

Melinda said...

Dear Marcia,
Would it be possible for you to move next door to me?! You are so very generous with your comment about this. And, your mastery of drawing and perspective is so impressive that I am humbled by your words. Maybe a winter home...
:)

Thank you, thank you. When I'm feeling the blues, I'm gonna read your comment several times.

Virtual hugs back atcha!

SamArtDog said...

I think this is one of my favorite views. Sorta abstract. it seems to me that this CG of yours is a great learning process, for you and for us (but you get to pay for the paint -- har har). Just watching your handling of the values is amazing. Can't wait for the next chapter...

Melinda said...

You've got that exactly right, SamArtDog. This thing is teaching me about this particular kind of painting. When I take a break and paint something else, in a different style, I get another lesson. It's very instructive. Maybe having a large work standing by, like a guitar for scales and a guitar for wailing, is a good idea.

You're reminding me of the old '40s movies for which the kids had to wait a week to see the sequel.

Thank you!

Salon Delucca said...

wow, this is going to be an amazing piece in subject and scale - just this section is wonderful - journey on girl!

Melinda said...

Thank you, Jeane! Stumbling toward the finish line. Looks to be afar off! Glad I packed some snacks...

Jeffrey J. Boron said...

I really love the colour and can only imagine the whoooole thing!

Can't wait to see all of it at once...oh did I say that already =;-))

Jeffrey

ps: I understand you had a touch of rain the other day...

Melinda said...

Ha ha!! Thank you, Jeffrey! Yes, you are correct, sir. This is quite the long, drawn out unveiling, isn't it? But, truly, it keeps asking for more paint...

I feel like your next door neighbor today. We've had lots of fantastic rain and the clouds are moving in very quickly (up to 60 mph gusts expected today). We're hoping to get about 2" of rain and more on the weekend. Our water harvesting barrels runneth over. Our hearts rejoiceth with nature!

Happy dancing.

I see that you, too, are getting hit with this big storm. Wishing you warm studio days.

Linny D. Vine said...

The suspense of it all has me on edge ~ giggle! I love this juicy and radiant offering, Melinda!

Melinda said...

You are a clever woman, Linny! Yes, keeping you on the edge...

Thank you for stopping by. Hope to be finished with this thing...this year...before summer...before spring. Ah, gee. Want to be finished.