Saturday, December 26, 2009

Learning--Winter Beach Painting--Patterns in the Sand

Not too long ago, I posted an entry about winter walks on the beach. This painting, Tide Pool Patterns, evolved from photos on a winter walk several years ago. That day, the Atlantic was in a rare indigo mood (the water color is never exactly the same from day to day, changing sometimes subtly, sometimes quite dramatically), and the waves were crashing very white. The receding tide had left shallow pools and interesting patterns and ridges in the sand. I think the earlier hours had been fairly windy, because the beach was more stirred up than sometimes. The view was interesting to me almost in an abstract sense, and I hoped to create a very simple, somewhat empty (if that's the right word) scene where the tonal contrasts, some strong, some subtle, and the abstract design would be the focus.
As in many paintings, this one did not look right for quite awhile. When I painted the wavy patterns in the sand as they actually appeared, it did not work on the canvas because they slanted so sharply that they gave the impression of going steeply downhill. Not wanting to lose the texture and diagonal interest and yet needing a more realistic look, I fought the angles and patterns for several painting sessions until the sand appeared flatter. In the foreground, I sprinkled salt on the wet paint to create some sparkly dimension on a few of the ridges of sand. Even clicking on the detail photo probably doesn't show you that texture, but it's kind of nice. I feel fairly pleased with the final result, which I hope conveys a feeling of peace contrasted with the energy of the background waves.
Question of the day: Isn't it interesting what makes for visual interest and how central a part different kinds of contrasts play in what is pleasing to the eye?

5 comments:

  1. What a beautiful painting, Mary! As to the visual interest question, what really intrigues me is the differences in the eyes of the artists themselves. What captures the eyes of one and not another? This to me is the true question. I am often amazed at a perspective or view that one artist has and can make beautiful while I would have completely missed it otherwise. I might have focused in on another area. Just gorgeous painting though...I keep having to go back and look again! The salt for sparkle is a wonderful idea too and not only captures the crystalline sparkles that you do see in sand, but also the glints of it!

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  2. That's a fascinating insight, Autumn--visual interest is very individual, isn't it? That is one central reason we can grow, be surprised and be delighted by the work of other artists. Thank you for your perceptive observation. Thank you, too, for your kind and encouraging comments on this painting--I value your judgment and am glad you like it.

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  3. I've always enjoyed paintings of the beach because of its ephemeral nature, and yours is no exception, Mary. It has to be one of the most difficult subjects for an artist. How do you capture the essence of constant change? I just read an interesting post regarding sand art that was written by Sapphire, a blogger from Japan. There's a link to her post on my bloglist.

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  4. I think you captured it perfectly. I see turmoil that has settled down into those patterns. I live far from any ocean but when I've been there, I find the varied moods so fascinating. Every human emotion seems available.

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  5. W2W & TB, these are fascinating and insightful comments. Your observation of the ephemeral nature of the beach and of the turmoil settling down into patterns are interesting and well-expressed. I appreciate your thoughts.

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