It wasn’t until I saw some of Andrew Wyeth’s works in person
at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, that I was truly moved by his artwork. Reproductions simply don’t do his work
justice. His work is so subtle yet
incredibly powerful. For myself, I
prefer more color and a broader scene as a subject. But by really studying a subject, I know I’ve
now gained an appreciation for how easy it is to get lost in any subject.
For instance, I’ve spent countless hours observing the ocean
along Maine’s coast – particularly during storms. Haven’t painted many seascapes yet – but that
is another story for another day. What
I’m beginning to understand, is that the same complexity of color, detail,
nuance, composition, that can be found in a coastal scene can be found in a
tidal pool, or a large rock in a field, or, in this case I decided to do the
sketch above. Something that would have
held no interest for me in the past. It
was between my daughters field hockey games at Trinity College. The players and parents were seeking relief
from the heat on the fields beneath this tree.
In no way, shape, or form, am I attempting to equate myself
with Andrew Wyeth – but he did inspire me to try something different. To pay attention to, literally, what was
directly in front of me. I wondered what I’d learn from trying this.
I found myself totally engrossed at the subject. A few people came over and asked if I’d mind
if they took a look at what I was drawing.
I didn’t mind. Their comments
were pleasant and polite. They were
surprised by my choice of subject and did share that surprise with me.
I was fascinated by the pattern of shadows on the lawn that
ran uphill to the fence surrounding the field hockey fields. The body language and expressions of the
players and parents told another story entirely, and I’ll focus on those types
of gestural drawings at another time.
I’ve already noticed how this exercise is informing my use
of shadows in drawings and paintings and the importance of shadows and values
to create depth in drawings and paintings.
If you haven't already done so, please see my facebook page (Robert Kahler Landsape Paintings@mainepleinairpainter) and like it if you are so moved.
Thank you
If you haven't already done so, please see my facebook page (Robert Kahler Landsape Paintings@mainepleinairpainter) and like it if you are so moved.
Thank you
