Evening, Liberty Point

[MChesleyJohnson]

I've posted a new demonstration on my web site, in which I take an 8x10 oil sketch done en plein air and base an 11x14 studio painting on it. The demonstration is at http://www.sff.net/people/mcj/html/demos/oildemo.htm.

Here's what the finished painting looks like. "Evening, Liberty Point," 11x14, oil/panel. I hope you all will take a look! - Michael

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Mar-2007/3644-evening_liberty_pt.jpg

[Peter-MN]

OK, I got here first, where's my sucker!!!

Love the rocks and the glint of sunlight on the grass.
The gradient sky adds a nice natural feel to the whole piece.

Nicely done,

Peter-MN

[MChesleyJohnson]

I don't pass out suckers, but I do pass out dog biscuits. :)

Thanks for the kind words.

[LarrySeiler]

some nice brushwork in there, Michael...and leading lines, contrast...good stuff.

[Nue]

Hi Michael,
I enjoyed seeing the painting progress and the studio painting still has the freshness. Great light and brushwork.
Cheers...Nue

[Sezzan]

I enjoyed the rather unusual composition ( for me :) ). It is a "beautiful read", Michael. Thanks for drawing attention to it.

Take care, Frank.

[James or Jimmy Jim]

Michael, 11x14 ... that's big! How about going even larger?

Damn, I like this one a lot. :D

[MChesleyJohnson]

Thanks, folks.

Jim, yeah, I know, 11x14 isn't that big for most people. I've got some 16x20 stretched canvases in the studio. If this classic Nor'easter keeps up today (and we don't lose power) I may make a stab at it. I'm finding, though, that my back gets really tired after two hours of standing -- and really, really tired in the three hours + it took me to paint the 11x14. I hate to think I'm going to have to start painting from a stool. I suppose it's time to pull out the "Yoga for the Back" tapes again.... ;)

[brianc]

I love your rock work. I can sense the texture of the rocks and their massiveness. You've got the right angle and perspective on them. I think you've used both opposite colors and scumbling to get that texture. A little visual color mixing, too. Impressive. The distant froth on the water is my next favorite part.

[MChesleyJohnson]

Thanks, Brian! I did use complementary colours in the rocks -- bluish-green and a reddish-purple.

[WV.Artistry]

Thanks for posting the notes.

[Jean Levert Hood]

Really like this piece, Michael, That extra light at the focal point is great.

[MChesleyJohnson]

:)

[MChesleyJohnson]

After putting the piece up on my "viewing mantle" for a week or so, I've decided the foreground needed more attention. I didn't sense enough distance between the foreground rocks and the more distant ones. To solve the problem (or at least I think it's solved!) I added some deeper, warmer darks to the closest ones. Here 'tis:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Apr-2007/3644-evening_liberty_pt.jpg

[Wayne Gaudon]

that is nice .. I like the more dramatic color

[Jean Levert Hood]

Subtle change, Michael, big difference!

[MChesleyJohnson]

Thanks!

[gerryca]

Thanks for this wonderful demonstration and beautiful painting!

[MChesleyJohnson]

My pleasure!

[Jo Castillo]

Thanks, folks.

Jim, yeah, I know, 11x14 isn't that big for most people. I've got some 16x20 stretched canvases in the studio. If this classic Nor'easter keeps up today (and we don't lose power) I may make a stab at it. I'm finding, though, that my back gets really tired after two hours of standing -- and really, really tired in the three hours + it took me to paint the 11x14. I hate to think I'm going to have to start painting from a stool. I suppose it's time to pull out the "Yoga for the Back" tapes again.... ;)

Michael, This is just a beautiful and fresh painting. Nice comp.

My husband got me a rubber pad that is used in trucks to haul things. It sure helps the back. I have wooden floors and thought that was soft, but the pad sure helps. Got it at Home Depot for about $20 I think. They also have foam ones that connect together, I guess for play rooms or something. I got those and use them when doing paint on the street things. About 36 in. square. They are light and easy to throw in the car. The first one is too heavy to tote.

Later,
Jo

[Tom Christopher]

A really dramic painting --I am especially drawn to the large rock formations --very convincing --your use of hard and soft edges of the cracks in the stone.. very nice. Tom

[MChesleyJohnson]

Thanks, Tom, and thanks for the tip, Jo!