Personal Art Blog

Sharing the lessons I teach at the Artist Guild and the personal discoveries in my art.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Farm in the Valley





Farm in the Mesilla Valley

6x8in oil on canvas panel   $125. SOLD

This was very quickly done on location and "tweaked" in the studio.
It was a very beautiful day and the pecan orchards at the back of the fields
still have their leaves.


Artist Note.

The "tweaking" part was the foreground. I had an even space
either side the larger front bush. See below. I try and stay away
from even spacing with either positive or negative shapes.
I used my painting knife to smoosh some of the paint from
the smaller bush sideways into the larger one, but I had to
mix more paint and create a new shape. Once I did that
I started making small adjustments here and there, and had
to force myself to stop. I know you all understand the
need to to do that. I could go on piddling forever and
completely lose the plein air freshness.





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13 comments:

  1. I love the painting. I didn't think of it first, but when I followed your reasoning I realized what you were talking about, and agree with the decision. It is something I will take with me when doing my tree abstractions. I tend to like the repetition aspect of it, but know also that I need to explore other venues. I always learn something on your blog.

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    1. I love repetition too, but there is more power with uneven spaces "within" the symmetry of repeat shapes.
      YOu do it already so it must be instinctive.

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  2. Replies
    1. I have to tell you I am still laughing over the start of your blog...that should bring them flocking in!!! Priceless.
      Thanks Crimson.

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  3. Your fracturing technique works so well in this beautiful landscape, Julie!! I'm glad you stopped when you did...perfect finish!!

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    1. Thanks Hilda - so you too have "been there with the stopping" Love the tiger.

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  4. I absolutely love it! The colours are fantastic, Julie! I know what you mean by having to force yourself to stop working and I think that this very point when you leave your brushes down gives each artist his/hers identity-maybe I'm talking nonsense, but I really believe that behind artist's choices stories are awaited to be told.
    Warm regards.

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    1. I agree with you completely. Unlike me, you have the wonderful gift of words to tell some of the stories. Your blog is special that way.
      thanks Konstantina.

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  5. Julie - this is a gorgeous painting and also love your zinnias and marigolds. Your art is fabulous Julie - love the impressionistic style you use. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day.

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    1. Nice of you Debbie - thank you. I enjoyed the trip on your blog.

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  6. I think the word piddling was invented just for artists! I am very familiar with it. And how often have I been told to vary my distances to make the work more interest. Lots. What a beautiful feeling this work elicits. Calm, beauty, freshness. A good thing, for sure.

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  7. Have a grin reading the first sentence. Vary the distance is a piece of advice I have not heard before so will tuck that one away.
    Your red roof on the building in the hills accomplishes it very well.

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  8. Gorgeous piece! Lovely technique. I tend not to look at artist's blogs, but I must make the effort...I've missed such a lot of your paintings it seems by relying solely on DPW.

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I love that you are taking the time to comment and thank you for it. I am sure other readers will enjoy them too. If you cannot comment through this format then email me at juliefordoliver@gmail.com
Cheers,
Julie