Cazneaux Tree - Essence of Survival - WIP

[Susan Borgas]

Another WIP to share with all of you.

The work is 42.5cm x 68cm wide.
Burgundy Art Spectrum Colourfix
Soft pastels - Rembrandt, Art Spectrum, Winsor & Newton & Unison.

I some how don't think this one will develop as quick as the last one. I am more concerned about getting shapes and tone down at this stage before colour.

There is a photo of the same tree (different angle) at the following web address, http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/APOL21/mar01-1a.html

Sue
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Aug-2004/13752-Cazneaux_Tree_-_Essence_of_Survival_cut_resized.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Aug-2004/13752-Cazneaux_Tree_-_Essence_of_Survival_2_cut_resized.jpg

[Deborah Secor]

Susan, this is a great start. I'm fascinated at your use of the horizontal format for such a vertical subject. You've pulled it off before, so I have faith! Love the interest you've put in the foreground. Nice depth of color there. The X of the tree is engaging, too. I only wonder about the mountains in the back, which I see are accurate to the area, but somehow the way they conveniently end on the downslope on both sides is a bit odd. I know you'll solve this, though. Thanks for sharing--and have fun! I look forward to the next stages of it!

Deborah

[Susan Borgas]

I think I am drawn to the horizontal theme so much because of the wide expanse of country with big skies that is a part of the Australian landscape. I did consider putting in clouds to balance the tree but this will only be a last resort. Maybe an emu or two would help though have avoid wildlife in the past. The cast shadows in the foreground are going to be a challenge. The shadows were one of the reasons that I chose to paint this scene, as well as the tree being so famous in the Flinders Ranges. I didn’t even consider the mountain range dropping at both sides of the painting (I am learning all the time). I will lift the right hand side, as the mountain range does continue on again at that end. I don’t dare raise the left hand side because that part of the mountain is well known to the area. The adrenalin is starting to pump here………time for me to get my hands messy with pastel……… stay tuned for the next instalment.

[Dyin]

Susan, am going to enjoy watching this. I just discovered that using dark ground makes a HUGE dif on doing landscapes so am excited to see how you complete this. I'm not worried even though you are...your work is wonderful :)

[Susan Borgas]

Here is my next instalment for this WIP. My method of working tends to be completing near as possible the distance followed by the middle then foreground. I don’t necessary finish each stage before moving onto the next, as I may tweak some areas later on. I don’t doubt that the shadows in the foreground from a tree out of the picture are going to give me grief. I noticed the top of that same shadow makes the surface of the soil to appear as if it is going up hill. Hopefully once the vegetation is introduced, the surface will level out to a soft downward slope into the creek bed. Also a lot more work to be done on the tree yet.

Sue

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Aug-2004/13752-Cazneaux_Tree_-_Essence_of_Survival_cut_3_resized.jpg

[Dyin]

the mountains and the tree look fantastic already...am sure you'll work out the shadows just fine! :clap:

[chookbrown]

Hey Sue, great job.. I'm just gonna have to buy one of yours some day soon. They are such a lovely tribute to our country. :clap: :clap:

[prestonsega]

Holy Moses...the transition from drawing to this stage is unbelievable! Thats right, I forgot..your the tree portrait lady!!! Impressive even as a wip.

[Susan Borgas]

I am going to attack the tree trunks next…. Maybe with an axe…… naaa hopefully I will pull this off as close as possible to the way the tree looks. Finding it difficult to concentrate on painting with so much happening in my life at the moment. Wouldn’t it be lovely to shut ones self away in a studio without the day to day grind that invade our lives!!!

If anyone spots a problem area, jump in and let me know. Looking at the monitor, I don't think I like my stones...... change in shape and sizes will fix that.

Sue

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Aug-2004/13752-Cazneaux_Tree_-_Essence_of_Survival_4_cut_resized.jpg

[Susan Borgas]

Decided to post two close ups of my work to give a better idea of my technic.

Sue

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Aug-2004/13752-Close_up_of_shadowed_area_1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Aug-2004/13752-Close_up_of_Shadowed_area_2.jpg

[Dyin]

that's nice...so much better to see the details. No problems I can see..just along for the ride :)

[Khadres]

Lovely work, as always from you! You're a one-woman tourist tempter with all these beautiful views of Australia! Great job! :clap:

[Susan Borgas]

Thought you all might like to see the finished piece………. It was sold at the last exhibition that I was involved with. Sold eight paintings during that period, hence pretty happy with the results. I have you guys to thank as well because your help has been very valuable to me and only a matter of time and I will be back asking for help again. :) :D

Cheers, Sue

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Nov-2004/13752-Cazneaux_Tree.jpg

[Pinecone Conniff]

Very inspiring!! :clap:
I love all the character the tree has & I do get a sense of wide open country...no doubt about that!
Thanks for showing your progression!...Awesome! :)
Annette

[chookbrown]

Hey Sue! Congrats on the sales of your wonderful paintings... is it any wonder they sell so well... not to me..!!!! Terrific stuff as usual!!

Colleen :clap: :clap: :wave:

[SweetBabyJ]

Wow!


Otherwise, I'm speechless- all I can think of is "Wow!"

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[meowmeow]

What a fantastic painting! I am not surprised it was sold.
It was wonderful being able to watch it develop and I really enjoyed the close ups...you miss so much without them.
Thanks for sharing!

Sandy

[DominicM]

Wow, Sue, I saw the first wip and wasn't confident it would come together (me of little faith) but you pulled it off.... :clap: :clap: :clap:

This is stunningly beautiful and am not surprised it sold.

Congrats on the pic and the sale.

I Look forward to seeing more of your work