I'm starting to think about painting landscapes. See the photograph above. I took it from the northern shore of The Humber near Hessle Haven. Beyond the old jetty you can see The Humber Bridge arching gracefully across the river. It was opened in 1981 and at that time was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It remains an iconic structure linking Yorkshire with northern Lincolnshire.
I have travelled across it many times but when I was a schoolboy in Hull, the only way we could get across that mile-wide river was by steam ferry. Lincolnshire was a faraway world like Narnia, inhabited by strange folk known as Yellowbellies. Little did I know back then that I would end up marrying a Yellowbelly!
Below I have used picture effects in "Word" to create a new version of the picture in which only a handful of shades have been used in what is called a "cutout" style. I think it is handy to have a look at the picture this way because it helps to overlook superfluous details and get right to the heart of the picture's basic structure and the different layers of light and shade.
Always good to challenge yourself, YP. Another suggestion is to reproduce the reference photo in black and white - this puts the emphasis only on values, and eliminates color as a factor in decision-making. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteThank you Professor Mary. You are my online tutor.
DeleteYou really have talent, YP. I imagine that you'll paint beautiful landscapes, judging by how nice your photographs of them always turn out.
ReplyDeleteWe will see how this one goes Jennifer. I will try my best.
DeleteOh yes - I remember those days well. This comes of course from a yellowbelly.
ReplyDeleteWhy you Lincolnshire folk are called Yellowbellies remains uncertain. My wife's belly is banana-coloured.
DeleteForeshore and sheven years ago, our 4 fathers (and you thought there were only 2) brought forth (British, fourth) on this incontinent -- well, just use your imagination.
ReplyDeleteIt is a little known fact that the occupants of "The Mayflower" had not passed the Plymouth Lunatic Asylum entrance exam - hence their banishment.
DeleteYou have nice drawing skills, when you figure out your color sense, it will be exciting. Here's the web site of a young lady who is all about color and design. http://www.allison-curtis.com/ Your style is more conservative, but I always find Allison's use of color very inspiring. Keep it up!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link Jan and thanks for dropping by again.
DeleteI don't know art, I only know what I like, and I like it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny.
DeleteGood first try YP.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of strong colour in the original photograph would make it an ideal subject for pen, ink and wash.
I think you are right CG. There's a lot of interesting light but very little colour.
DeleteAnd an excellent first attempt it is. Surely you won't make it your last.
ReplyDeleteI will not be Mistress George.
DeleteAs always you are able to come up with something that has great possibilities!
ReplyDeleteYou must have been a very encouraging teacher Red. Thanks.
DeleteThat is a fantastic photograph, and your recreation came out quite well. I can't paint or draw, or do anything artistic. My daughter is a much better artist than I am, as are you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Chris. Nice to have you dropping by once more. Want a cup of tea? Sugar?
DeleteEducate me: why can't you just add colour on your painting? why do you need to do it again?
ReplyDeleteIt's a terrific image, very moody
Oh no no no no no Kylie! Adding paint after the painting has dried and been remove from its board is against the rules of artistry! I would rather try again.
DeleteLooking at only your painting, without comparing it to the photograph, it comes to life on its own, with its very own mood. Only in comparison with the photo does it feel as if something is missing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that observation. I have to keep reminding myself that creating art is not like photocopying the image you see before you.
DeleteYou have a very precise and considered style Mr Pudding, with very effective results. How about going a bit wild with the paintbrush?
ReplyDeleteI want to go wild Sue but somehow it doesn't appear to be in my nature.
DeleteI think that first attempt is pretty good -- certainly better than what I could do. The hard part will be depicting those beautiful sun rays!
ReplyDeleteWell spotted Steve. Those sunrays are definitely there but slightly elusive. I don't know if I can make them happen in the painting unless I go wild like Sue said.
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