Tuesday, September 08, 2009

"sea fever"


Caribbean scenes
(9x11 sheet)

Since I haven't painted at all in a while, I thought I'd start out using my "cheap," lightweight paper, the paper I usually use for one- or two- minute poses in life classes, where you barely get anything down and have no time to correct.
And now I know, firsthand, why art teachers always say to never use cheap paper! I intended to do these just in one pass--no layering, no alterations ... But, once I started, there were things I wanted to do--like soften the hard edge at the top of the wave in the first painting--that the paper would not allow.
You never know where you may want to go with a painting, even if you planned to only do a quick sketch, so always use good paper.

San Cristobal fort, Puerto Rico
(9x11 sheet)


............................................................
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the seagulls crying.
...........................................................

from "Sea Fever," John Masefield
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12 comments:

Natashia McEwan said...

beautiful and clarity provoking images ~ lush with light...I love these last paintings!

A Brush with Color said...

Beautiful is right, Laura! These are all wonderful. And I always love your use of blues. I also love the varied grays in this last piece.

Mineke Reinders said...

I agree wholeheartedly: don't use cheap paper. It may be cheap when you buy it, but you pay for it later in paint, time and frustration. Not that it shows in these, they look as fresh as ever to my eye, but I understand your struggles with the paper. Love the last piece especially - how you can make those "blocky" structures on both sides seem alive and organic.

Cathy Gatland said...

Good advice Laura - I always seem to do my best work on lousy paper, perhaps because I'm less 'precious' with it. It's good to see your beautiful clear seascapes again - and I love that blue rectangle in between those lively Puerto Rican buildings. Hope your mom is recovering well.

Nancy L. Vance said...

Lovely....makes me miss doing my watercolors!! ...sigh..... I prefer using Arches in a block #140lb cold pressed. Never had much luck with others.

cathyswatercolors said...

Just love your stuff, ah cheap paper the paint just roll right off!

Love the call of the tides and the sea,for me it's the call to swim in Lake Michigan,but I'm afraid I missed my chance:(
Good to see your posts again.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

I meant to write that I absolutely love these paintings, but I was in a rush and must have forgotten.

Sorry. I absolutely love these paintings.

Take care,

Barbara

Charlene Brown said...

I agree with Cathy that using cheap paper does free you up -- when you know you're not aiming for a 'keeper' you don't limit the painting's possibilities by being too careful. But you don't have that problem -- all your paintings look spontaneous and brilliant.

BARBARA WEEKS said...

Lovely! You have a wonderful way with color and Masefield's poem is one of my favorites.

HeartFire said...

Those are just gorgeous colors and shapes..... yes, there are times I've regretted starting something on cheap paper. Well, your paintings still look great, even if your paper wasn't quite what you wanted!

MD said...

Cheap paper or not, such beautiful paintings!
MD

Gwen Buchanan said...

this last one is so rich and full of depth.. when ya got it, ya got it... love it!