-
- Original Version of Garden Break
-
- “Garden Break” ©Ruth Armitage Acrylic on Yupo 14″x20″
I worked this weekend on this painting, which I had never really felt was complete. Now I think my original intention has been realized. It’s amazing what adding more color will do. The original version is on the left. (SOLD)
Once again, I’m flattered to have been nominated for Donna Zagotta’s Blogs to Watch for 2012! Here’s a link to this year’s list, which include’s some of my favorites and a few that are new to me. I hope you’ll go to her blog & check out the list. Thanks for the great reading material, Donna!
This weekend my friend Bruce Ulrich & I went to see “Red” at Portland Center Stage. This Tony Award winning play was an insightful look at the painter Mark Rothko and his studio assistant Ken as he tackles a large commission for the Four Seasons. It was wonderful to see it with another artist, one who understands first hand the highs and lows of the creative process. We were especially struck by the lighting on the set and how the moods changed… Next up for me is a trip to the Portland Art Museum to see the Mark Rothko exhibit. Can’t wait!
“A picture lives by companionship, expanding and quickening in the eyes of the sensitive observer. It dies by the same token. It is therefore risky to send it out into the world. How often it must be impaired by the eyes of the unfeeling and the cruelty of the impotent.” – Mark Rothko
I felt Rothko’s pain first hand this week when I received several rejection notices in the mail for exhibitions I had entered. Two of the paintings I had entered had already been included in national shows, and one had even won an award in a national show. There is no way to predict: what one juror gives an award, another rejects. This is the capricious nature of juried shows, but also what makes art interesting.
Your revision is masterful! Not that the original was bad, but the warmer colors are gorgeous. Reminds me of the California Impressionists.
Thank you Sue! I guess getting all those rejections has really spurred me to take it to the next level!
Adding color has made such a big difference to your painting. It’s a lesson on the importance of pushing our paintings further.
The Rothko exhibit is inspiring. I think you’ll love it.
Thanks Hal!
Wow, even my untrained eyes can see that additional color made a great painting fantastic. Nice.
Thanks Marianne!
I am enjoying looking at both your before and after versions. You have created such a warm atmosphere in the “finished” version. I love that your work always has that wonderful nostalgic impact on me.
Thanks Susan,
Missed you at Critique today!
The first painting reflects the cool Oregon light and achieved a thoughtful, meditative mood. By adding warm colors the mood changed. It became more like the artist; warm, friendly and eager to create a beautiful garden. Both are lovely.
Thanks Liz 🙂
I’m delighted to find your blog, Ruth. I’m an Oregonian, too. The warm glow you added to your painting brings the piece together and suggests a story!
Thanks Serena! Welcome 🙂 I know your name & will look forward to visiting your blog 🙂 How did you find me?
Be sure to see the John Frame exhibit upstairs. Way more amazing
than the Rothko exhibit. Love the paintings you are sharing.
@Leigh, thanks for the recommendation! The John Frame exhibition was spectacular 🙂