Thursday, February 9, 2012

"Hamlet on Wye"

I decided this painting needed new life. It spent the first part of it's short life in a show in Feb. and then on my studio walls but there seemed to be something lacking. So i took it out of the frame, put it in the shower and washed a lot of the surface paint off. What is left is a very nice faded image of the village that i can use as a base painting. Quite a few of my older paintings have gone through this and the results can be fun. They don't always turn out but it is a wonderful exercise and i find i learn a lot in the process.


Here is the new version which i feel is a big improvement. Shadows really add impact and back lighting is something i've not usually attempted. I have a few more here that will get a shower and a facelift. I do this if i am pleased with the basic composition but want to add something more.

First, i added a building to the right foreground and another behind it. Beefed up the chimneys, and started to lay in some dark shadows using purple. I also added some wee characters to the sky and some more trees and bushes. Finally a whole lot of color went on everywhere.

Stronger shadows will play a new role from here on in and i hope to play with lost and found edges more. Lost edges are a weakness for sure so hope to get better with those.

19 comments:

  1. i love moments like these... i looked at the first version and loved it but when i saw what you did to the latest version i heard myself say..."WOW!! this is spectacular and a great example of the difference dramatic shadow and light can make. outstanding work!

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    1. Suzanne, your "Wow" encourages me to press on. Can't wait to fix the next one....

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  2. Ross, you are a brave man! But taking that risk certainly paid off: the new version is so rich. The play of light and shadow is wonderful.

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    1. I find that painting is mostly problem solving. We encounter so many tests and challenges along the way. Sometimes the answer comes easily but most times it comes reluctantly.

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  4. Very very interesting post.. kept me at the edge! I mean you need courage to wash off all that lovely work and again end up wit something much more brilliant!

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    1. Thanks Padmaja. When i wash them off it is with the hope that i can add to what was there.
      It is like a wee adventure into the unknown. There are a few more here on the gallery walls that may get a shower. Smile!

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  5. oh yes! Infinitely more dramatic and eye catching. So far, its my favourite of yours! Bravo :) xx

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    1. Thanks Pat. It is my favourite to date as well. My other favourite was the one i have behind the Header on this blog....

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  6. The dramatic shadows and stronger colors make this painting fantastic!

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    1. Nancy, your comment is greatly appreciated. I am a big fan of your own work..

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  7. This painting is delightful! I agree adding the shadows added a lot of life. I find it interesting that you have no bones about going into a painting after you've declared it finished. I do too. There's something about hanging it on the studio wall after I've separated myself from it that allows me to see it objectively and eventually do what should be done. Glad to meet someone who feels the same way. Count me as a follower.

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  8. Ross, Nice to meet you. I love your style and congrats on getting into Splash 14, as well! I was looking through your blog and saw this painting with it's changes. I love the new look, it is so dramatic! Just wonderful. I am going to link your blog to mine and check back.

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    1. Thanks so much Lorraine. I am glad you like my little village. It was great to meet you also and to see your wonderful artwork. I enjoy the video portion and admire your bravery for doing those. Not sure i would be on You Tube any time soon. Thanks for being so generous with your painting experience and sharing the journey. Looking forward to seeing your new works as they emerge.

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  9. Such wonderful colours ! Love your paintings, a real delight to browswe through :)

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  10. How does someone purchase your art? traceypoff@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Tracey. You can contact me via email at rosslynem@gmail.com. Most of my paintings are posted here and if there is one you are interested in i can let you know if it is available. if it isn't i also do commissions and could do one based on one you like. Thanks for your inquiry. Sincerely, Ross Lynem.

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  11. Hi Cristall. Sorry to take so long to get to you here. I did not notice your comment until now.
    The painting is 13" X 20" . With frame it comes to 22.5" X 29.5".

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