In the Vine- 22x30
What do you do when you run out of things to paint?
I've been taking lessons for two years, which means every two weeks I go to class and try to bring something fresh that I'm working on as well as some older work I'm finishing. Working on the series of neon signs for my upcoming show was becoming a little wearisome. They are highly technical and my brain was turning to spaghetti!! I needed a small break before going back to them. Relief for me was spelled BOTANICAL. This subject matter always refreshes me, so out to the yard I went with my iPhone. These grapes grow near my front porch so I didn't have to go far for inspiration.
The point to this little drama is, paint what you love. What excites you? What refreshes you? What do you want to look at over and over again? Often those things can be found close to home. These grapes were intriguing to me for several reasons- the varied colors of the leaves are part of Fall in the Pacific Northwest. But in order to make them really pop, the negative spaces around them needed to be interesting in shape. I added a few "hot holes" and enlarged some others so the leaves had more breathing spaces between them. I chose warm darks for depth and tried to create a trail of light thru the grape cluster and down thru the foliage. Don't be afraid to put your own spin on a photo and have some fun!
