Monday, October 10, 2016

IMPROV, Day 1c

I met the basic lesson requirements for this piece and, looking at the clock, decided it was done-enough.

When I stepped back to write up commentary before posting to my class, the 'forest' wasn't calling out to me. If I were to tell the story of the individual 'trees'—the multiple materials and techniques I used—I'd expect to see more depth and complexity, but I don't. I see plenty of color, value, hue, and saturation; plenty of line of varying qualities; a range of opacities and transparencies; some shapes; hard and soft edges; a tiny bit of pattern. But, this piece, for me, lacks a "je ne sais quoi" factor that would make it more compelling. 

At the time, with the clock ticking, I thought (in the words of friend Bo): onwards and sideways! Figured I'd see what evolved with the next piece.


Looking back now, I see this exercise as an activated canvas, a great start. I'll return to play with it further at some future point.


Improv #3

7 comments:

carol edan said...

I totally disagree with you!! I see a very interesting piece with a strong focal point and leading line. I love the contrast of the strong lines and the delicate pen lines, contrast of horizontal and arches. The piece may not have depth but it has movement and keeps the viewer traveling up and around. When you mention forest and trees does that refer to the whole piece and its parts? Hope you are enjoying your vacation!!! Tou deserve it!!!

Sheila said...

First thought was stairway to heaven. Then, stairs in those old musicals... the dots, spotlights leading the way. The gold, a vision of a woman in a sparkling dress coming into focus. Reality from a dream.
Well, that is how a lot of those old movies were. Sometimes silly and nonsensical, but how else could you explain dozens of women prancing around in next to nothing while there was a depression going on. LOL Well, that is where your piece took me. To Hollywood's glory days. :) Enjoy tomorrow's studies Dotty!

carol edan said...

Sheila, love your imagination!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Wow, thanks for your feedback, Carol! So lovely to get a different take from my own. Yes, the forest/trees reference was whole/parts—and actually referred to instructor Jane's guiding us with this lesson to hang out in the trees wandering around and not to worry about stepping back to look at the forest, i.e. composition as a whole.

dotty seiter: now playing said...

I thought I was on vacation in WV—turns out I'm in Hollywood! Sheila, thank you for your vision!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Ditto!

Joany Kendra said...

I immediately thought Ditto after reading Carol's comment, and then saw you also said Ditto!

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