Oil on Board, 9 x 13 inches
I haven't painted a woodland scene for a little while, and I had forgotten just how difficult they are in Oil paint, especially Winter ones with the complex pattern of bare branches and trunks! Half-way through I thought perhaps I should have tackled this subject in Pastel, so I may well do a Pastel version of it too, to compare the looser technique with the tighter Oil technque.
With a subject like this, it's a case of where do you stop - the art of suggesting rather than describing every twig - just tell the story, but leave enough for the eye to fill in the blanks. In earlier days I would have painted damned near every branch and twig, but hopefully, I'm learning to leave enough - the one thing I don't want the painting to look like is a photograph, but rather more painterly and textural.
Love this, Peter. So misty and damp. Atmos a plenty. Fantastic work. It reminds me of the film Sleepy Hollow, lots of mist and things lurking around every tree. Brilliant. A real sense of mystery. I think that is also helped because you have left out enough for the viewer to put in their own interpretations and make up stories about the scene. Very clever.
ReplyDeleteLove this, Peter. So misty and damp. Atmos a plenty. Fantastic work. It reminds me of the film Sleepy Hollow, lots of mist and things lurking around every tree. Brilliant. A real sense of mystery. I think that is also helped because you have left out enough for the viewer to put in their own interpretations and make up stories about the scene. Very clever.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cheeky Chappy!
DeleteThis piece makes me think of a path I take practically every morning. Usually greeted by some Chickadees looking for a handout! Great work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Darrell! We don't have Chickadees over here, but similar species called Blue Tits.
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ReplyDeleteI am delighted to say my partner and I purchased this lovely painting today and it's now on our wall. We are great walkers and I can just imagine us walking this pathway. It is peaceful and slightly mysterious. We will really enjoy this. Thank you for creating it!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Little M - I'm very pleased it has gone to a good home and thank you for bothering to comment - much appreciated! I don't know where you live, but you may not know that I also have my own gallery - www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk - in Uppingham in Rutland, so if you ever visit, I look forward to meeting you! Thanks again and best wishes, Peter
DeleteHi Peter, great to hear back from you. We live near Solihull so a trip to Uppingham would definitely be possible. I will get in touch again when we are planning a visit. It would be great to meet you. All the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you Little M - you will enjoy all our artwork, hopefully, so I look forward to seeing you sometime! If you fancy a trip to Nottingham, I am also guest artist at Patchings Art Festival on Friday June 10thy, when I shall have my own tent and will be demonstrating all day - perhaps see you there? Best wishes, Peter
DeleteHi Peter, great to hear back from you. We live near Solihull so a trip to Uppingham would definitely be possible. I will get in touch again when we are planning a visit. It would be great to meet you. All the best.
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