REVISITING THE ABALONE
I studied with master artist David C. Gallup for many years and always love reminiscing on some of those lessons and experiences.
I first heard the "Lesson of the Abalone" way back in 2012. Over the years while on trips to various far-off places, I've had my eye out for beautiful shells -- especially the abalones. In this painting, you will see an abalone my husband bought for me in Mikonos, Greece, a nautilus shell from a trip through Florida, and another abalone I picked up in a local swap meet. I love the colors of the shells and the feelings they evoke...
Since the new year began I've been struggling with some larger pieces.... I've been painting on them each day and although each day they get a bit better, they still seem to resist my efforts to be completely happy with them...
I thought it might be interesting for you if I revisited the original "Lesson of the Abalone" blog post from 2012. You can read it by clicking on this link:
"Don't let the waves of others drown out your own ocean song.
Hold your heart as though it was a seashell.
And listen to it. Listen to its music. To the whispers of your ocean within. And then swim."
-S. C. Lourie
Since the new year began I've been struggling with some larger pieces.... I've been painting on them each day and although each day they get a bit better, they still seem to resist my efforts to be completely happy with them...
I have finally decided to take a breather... I'm not giving up, but instead, I thought it might be fun and refreshing to do a smaller painting which is completely different.
It WAS fun!..
Abalones are always a challenge, but certainly being able to bring a painting to a level of satisfaction is good for my soul. I hope you enjoy the painting, too.
I thought it might be interesting for you if I revisited the original "Lesson of the Abalone" blog post from 2012. You can read it by clicking on this link:
THE LESSON OF THE ABALONE
and another related post....
ABALONE AND RADISHES -- INSPIRATION AND CHALLENGE
Once I finally decided how to set up the various shells... (which one in front?, where to set the light source?, how do they overlap?, should I add other elements like other shells or onions or?????) I set out to determine the notan -- the value pattern. Here is the notan then a 3 value variation.
Early last year I decided to force myself to paint over old "not so great" paintings rather than purchase new panels all of the time. It hasn't been my finest resolution. Most often I don't need the extra distraction when I'm painting out in the field, so I forgo my resolution and start with a clean panel. However, this time at home and also with a fall painting I titled "Jack!" , I did paint over an older painting.
In this case, the older painting helped me with parts of the block in and painting. Surprise!
I took photos of the painting on the easel at various stages of paint application.
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| The "not so great" plein air I painted over |
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| First steps..... lightest lights then darks |
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| Almost there... photo at night ...studio light changes the look doesn't it? |
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Now I realize I need to make the dark areas of the shells darker...
..... Now the old last question...... Is it finished???
Who knows... I've uploaded it and will stare at it a while before I finally decide... But I think so. I posted it at the top....
Tell me.... What do YOU think about the lesson of the abalone??? I would love to hear from you.
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