Saturday, November 28, 2009

November Rain, Toronto City Hall

20x16 Oil on Board
I had some great momentum going with this painting last Tuesday until I was struck down and immobilized by a cold/flu. H1N1 you ask? How would we know, no one is testing, but somehow they seem to come up with numbers infected. Thats all for my flu rant. I could go on. When painting Alla Prima, you try to complete the picture in one go so that you can paint wet into wet. When I returned to this picture today, the colors had dried, my palette had dried and so I tried to continue the best I could. It is difficult to "mush" colors around and make nice reflections when they are dry.
I would also like to thank everyone who left comments about creating a signature "style". (Post Nov 18) Its good to know that I am not the only one who struggles with this. How important is it? I think it is important if you want acceptance into galleries. Buyers want to recognize an artist by what they do. Its the same for music.
Another rant. Why are some artists such "machines" at producing? I tell myself that I am going to produce everyday. Take a look at my posts for November and it obvious that I can't live up to my own promises. A few artists come to mind who are amazing producers: Carol Marine, Edward B. Gordon, Kathy Weber. How do they do it?

9 comments:

Ramesh Jhawar said...

I hope you are feeling better now!Though you complain about dried paint and not able to paint as you would, I still liked this painting.
Speaking of signature style, there IS an individuality in our style, only we don't seem to realize it.The strokes are our own in our paintings.
I too think of painting everyday but then it begins to feel mechanical.One must paint only when he or she feels like painting to get the best result.These are my personal views !
P.S. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog:)

Marie Theron said...

Hi Catherine, the paint dries, but your painting still looks deliciously rainy. A wonderful achievement! It made me look at your album and I found lots of people in the rain and enjoyed them so much. My husband loves Canada and loved all your boat paintings!

Sarah said...

I have a similar problem every time I use acrylics. I seem to be vacillating between oils and acrylics right now, trying to find the right medium for the right painting. As you found, even oils can present a problem if left too long, but your results don't seem to reflect that (no pun intended). Thanks for you comment on my craft show experience. I kinda knew going into it that I wasn't the right fit, but I thought I should at least try.

Jerry Points said...

Catherine...thanks for the comments. Looked over your paintings here on the blog. Very Nice! You have a real nack for capturing atmosphere in a painting, which really gives it life. Love the contrast in value and color temperature.

Tammy Hext said...

You would never know by the end result that you struggled with the paint drying on you. Gorgeous reflections once again.
I am not sure how some artists produce so much either - life just seems to get in my way too.
As for style, I have been struggling with that one this year too. Do I have one, do I need one.
I think I could pick out a Jeffrey's if I saw one - so I think you've got one.
Happy painting!

Mary Anne Cary said...

Oh can I relate Catherine! I am on day 6 of flu/cold.
It's taken on many forms, I now have laryngitis! (maybe better I can't talk!) I fall asleep at the drop of a hat, I never do that!!! Oh well, hopefully I'm at the end of it, I am dying to get back to work, after flu and holiday and people and food and allllll the rest!!!!
This painting is one of my favorites of yours, so I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder, don't need to explain anything to me!

magicmyst said...

Hi Catherine, I love this one. You have created such magnificent atmosphere. The reflections and the lights are wonderful. I have to say thaqt this would be one of my favourites too. Kay

Anonymous said...

There is a fine line between style and being in a rut. I think one's style develops based on the artistic vision, and it is natural for it to evolve over time.
It is much the same with production. I agree with the first comment that it may not be healthy to force oneself based on some arbitrary rule, such as producing every day. On the other hand, it is importatnt to be honest with ourselves about what might be preventing us from producing. Everyone has their own natural pace that should be honored.

Montag said...

I don't know anything about signature styles, but henceforth this is the "Jeffreys style".

It is so compelling.
The eye jumps from the written word back to the painting.I thought this was the intersection of the "H1N1" and Bay Street down near the City Hall for a few minutes....but there is no road called "H1N1"...
Surprisingly enough - we are going to arrive in Toronto about noon today, 12/3, and we have to go to Queen St. East for our first stop.

And I thought that Spencer Gorge was the most beautiful thing in Dundas.