"Touch" - (caution/mature theme) oil on canvas

[MichaelRH]

Well, I hope I won't get a lot of raised eyebrows with this study.

This is another small oil study, canvas size is 9"X12" (Canvas has NOT been cropped)

I have been interested in abstracted areas...as figures or combinations of figures interact...(multiple figure) compositions. This image is based on a reference photo.

There are quite a number of reasons for this painting:
One, as I said, I find the geometry of multiple figure compositions interesting. I'm also giving myself a lot of extra time...working with value relationships. I feel they are of primary importance..and in this case, please note they are not yet fully developed.

This is the first coat, painted upon a red-pencil sketch. I'm painting as quickly as I can...and aside from the red-pencil quick sketch...I feel this painting is about as close to an *alla prima* approach as I've ever done. Which is exciting for me...because I truly love the spontaniety of that discipline...I realize this painting does not qualify as alla prima because there is a sketch involved before applying the paint. It has all been painted in one sitting..wet into wet..and I've yet to complete a painting (to my satisfaction) in one sitting.

I hope the subject matter does not offend........I feel there is a beauty in figures, and other than the appearance here of multiple figures....my only intention in working on this painting is for my own learning. I also like the very subtle nature of skin color..shadows...and all of the corresponding value/color relationships. Converting the reality of those colors/shadows into oil paint......is an interesting matter.

I have about an hour and 20 minutes on this study, part of what I'm attempting to do is make a statement with the paints as quickly as I can. Lately, I'm very much.....trying to draw with paint.

Again, I apologize if something appears in this painting that some may find offensive..I (obviously) do not.

The title of this study is (again) "Touch"

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Sep-2001/touch.jpg

[Sergey]

WOW.

[pencils4me]

Hi Michael,

I don't normally do this but here goes.

First I agree with Sergey "wow". But as I look at it I find the neck area of the upper right female figure disturbs me - to thick? Somehow it seems we should see the top of the shoulder as it rounds into her back. This same figure I love the shading and graceful curves you have given her upper arm - but i'm not sure where her arm goes from there? It could just be because this is in progress. What I really don't like here is the bright red fingernails and lipstick. Somehow it seems to portray something "cheap and trashy" (at least to me - but what do I know?)

Love the shading and your use of colors. Your *Alla Prima* is working well for you! Will look for the next update.

TJ

[MichaelRH]

TJ-

Thank you for all of your thoughts. (and your honesty!). Yes, I will be fine-tuning this one...and I'm not sure how pronounced the reds will be on the nails and lips....(interesting point)...I may...reduce the color in both areas...and lessen their *effect*..I have not given it much thought at this stage.

I can see what you mean TJ..about the upper right corner of this canvas...perhaps I can reduce that mass and develope the neck/shoulder area to where it is more convincing. I think as I work on more of the values on this canvas...areas that don't appear quite right...will be adjusted..and made a bit more convincing.

I remember telling Bruin70, that one of my goals was to take *questionable* subject matter.....and raise it (somehow!! lol) into the fine-art status. Without getting into what subjects are worthy of study/paint/understanding..etc, I'll just have to fall back on this: What others may find somehow....objectionable...I look to find the beauty...and perhaps emphasize beauty. I feel, one can find an element of beauty in many areas...where it might not be readily apparent or obvious. There are also many reasons one might decide to paint a particular painting, and those reasons may exist independent of the literal or implied imagery.
Meaning...beauty (I feel) can exist independent of subject matter or subject matter- *associations* or even viewer bias in many cases.

Well, to be a bit more direct...in the case of this *study*, I feel the the beauty of the geometry (of these interconnecting forms) is completely independent of any.......implied activity on the part of the figures. What activity is suggested (?) or implied by these (models (?)).......is not of primary concern to me....the tactile qualities of this study is what is interesting to me. (And...lol, I'm trying to create work that is pleasing to me..and meets my own requirements. (working on my language(s)..if you will.......)

[aaasp]

Are you going to get rid of the canvas whites? I think you could work and work on this one.
Stange painting. It gave me a sense of fighting and pain as well as erotic pleasure.
Anthony

[MichaelRH]

Anthony, thank you for your note.

I do plan on working quite a bit more on this painting. With all that has happend this last week...I have not felt much like painting.
I suppose quite a few of my paintings and drawings..are "strange". I seem to be interested in the unusual/unconventional. Yes, I will be painting the whites of the canvas...there are areas where the sketch can still be seen. I was only blocking in areas of color and value...and working to define shapes on this first coat.
I hadn't thought about the canvas in the way that you mention. But, I can see the relationships that you indicate. I believe I will push this further in the direction of an abstract...but continue to try and find a balance between my impressions of the geometry of the figures and the realism of the more tactile qualities. I hope, in the next day or two, to get back to painting.

[Philbee]

Excellent stuff, love the composition and it's abstract nature. Obviously in progress. can't wait to see the finished work.

Cheers Phil

[wnabors]

There is something fluid and lyrical about your work that I admire..that juxtaposed with your sense of humor and edgy subject portrayl..well it works for me...it's something I have been pushing for in my own work..i think you're much closer to (whatever IT is..) that goal than I am...here's an example of what I was trying..