Presiding

[Eraethil]

Hey gang,

Had to share my most recent painting - not sure if it is done or not, but close anyway. I've been exploring the dividing line in contemporary art between abstract and representational art and the dividing line between those who enjoy viewing one or the other. The last piece I posted is part of a series that begins representationally and migrates toward abstraction. This piece is going the other way, starting with an abstract composition and background and building a representational piece from it. (this same post is in the Eclectic Cafe thread, but Jon suggested I post it as a separate thread, thanks Jon)



And a side image to show how the surface finish enhances the piece:



I'm enjoying getting back to draughtsmanship in my painting!
Cheers,
Rick.

p.s. Acrylic on cradled wood panel, 24" x 24" x 3"

[timE]

Amazing Rick.. !! Need say nothing more. .I look forward to the progression..

[~JON]

I think this is exceptional work, Rick and the idea of exploring where we pass from representational to the non representational one worth considering. All art is abstract to some extent as you have shown with this piece. I think that is why when I hear folks say they prefer representational works over abstract I feel they are making an artificial distinction.

[graphicali]

Beautiful Rick. I absolutely love the background and the fish and lilies are very well executed.

[Eraethil]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the comments! I was very pleased to head down to the St. Albert Painters Guild show today to find that this painting sold and took Third Place in the show as well. It's a good day.

Jon, I completely agree with you, and that is part of the reason I embarked on this and my figure based series. It will be interesting to see what the reactions are to these very different perspectives and styles that meet in the same theme.

[RTT]

So well done Rick. I love this one!

[graphicali]

Congratulations on the prize and the sale!

[Eraethil]

Thanks Randy and Ali!

[jumper]

What a wonderful painting! Your work is very good. Maybe I can't paint the side of a barn, but my eyes and my brain know when something is so beautiful. I look forward to seeing more of your work. I really like your work with the light. Something that's difficult for me, but you do it so well.

I'm going to stare at your painting some more, then look around.
very, very, nice,
jumper

p.s. remember how you told me to put up more paintings. Well, I did.

[AddiesArt]

OMG! I love, love, love this painting!! Congratulations on the sale and the place in the show! I've been thinking about the abstract qualities of all paintings recently and you've mutilayered this painting in objective and nonobjective style wonderfully.

[Eraethil]

Thanks for the enthusiastic comments jumper and Addie! Cheers,

[Katie Black]

Yay! Congratulations..how exciting!...well done..I'm very pleased for you.

[davefriend]

Solid piece Rick. Like both the colors and composition. Tranquility and gentle motion all in one. Cleverly arrayed geometric patterning in the Lily pad veins, almost like circular circuit boards. Nice to see examples of members precision in hand done work.

The real and the abstract are on display all around us in the physical world but I think the human brain is cultivated to label and identify objects like they were collections in a scientists collection. Much harder to understand and absorb the visual non-linear language of contemporary art than to memorize the names of familiar objects.

Love your explorations Rick.

[Eraethil]

Thanks Katie and Dave.

Dave, it is clear that you invest a good deal of your time exploring, interpreting, and providing feedback on the work of others in this forum. Your work as a guide is much appreciated by me! Cheers!

[desrat]

This is so beautiful, Rick. No matter how far behind I am on my backlog of catching up to the present, I had to say this.