This past week when I was preparing to ship work to Arizona for my next workshop, I took a good hard look at an abstract painting from one of my classes: Amber Waves. Art instructors often give the impression that they know what they’re doing when the paint a demo. Nothing could be further from the truth in my case!
I approach each artwork as a new experiment, a journey that evolves differently each time I paint. Thus, many of my demonstration paintings are only fully resolved after pondering its possibilities at home and at length.
“It is paradoxical, yet true, to say, that the more we know, the more ignorant we become in the absolute sense, for it is only through enlightenment that we become conscious of our limitations. Precisely one of the most gratifying results of intellectual evolution is the continuous opening up of new and greater prospects.”
-Nikola Tesla
This is certainly true in painting- the more you know, the more difficult it becomes. Below you can see the beginning stages of my abstract painting evolution, “Amber Waves.”
Amber Waves – in process
Considering it with fresh eyes this week gave me some insight. I had never been satisfied with it as a whole. I liked the colors and space division, but upon further thought I decided that I hated the small, busy shape in the upper left corner, and wasn’t too crazy about the large yellow shape in the lower 2/3 of the painting.
I got to work and covered some of those up with more layers of gouache and Golden’s high flow Titanium White. Then I washed over the entire painting with some F&W Acrylic ink in Indian Yellow. Finally, I added more pencil and a few more layers of White gouache. The finished image speaks to me of Amber Waves of Grain and has more abstract complexity than the original. What do you think?
“Amber Waves” ©Ruth Armitage 2015 Mixed Watermedia on Paper 15×15″ SOLD
Post Edit 3/23/15 – As often happens, I submitted this painting online for a show at the Rental Sales Gallery of the Portland Art Museum, but couldn’t remember the title. I’m now referring to it at “Letting Go.” And it will be hanging at the gallery soon!
Absolutely – a huge improvement…so much more interest and visual appeal. I think I will love Indian Yellow when my tube arrives.
Thanks Melody… Indian Yellow is one of my favorite colors!
Yes, the final piece holds my interest much longer because of the complexity of the shapes and the layers of transparency. And the colors are luscious!
Thank you Sue! The color was the initial inspiration, so I’m glad that is what really holds you 🙂
You really transformed this piece. I especially enjoy the interesting white shapes.
Many thanks, Margaret!
I’m so intrigued and afraid of abstract painting, a clear sign I must just dive in and deal with what come up don’t you think?
Yes, I think you should try it Sarah!
Very nice, Ruth. It’s a happy painting made stronger because of your attention to detail while wielding a big brush with surety, that you had fun painting this one is evident.
Thanks Jo 🙂
Thanks for sharing the beauty of the process and the honest realization that the magic is in the transformation.
It was a pleasure, Linda!
there’s a great book on Matisse’s evolution of a painting. 20 or more versions on one canvas. You’d never know from looking at the final version.
Thanks Claudia, I’ve seen that book & love the example. I think many art appreciators don’t understand how long a work often takes to gel…