Monday, November 17, 2008

Woodpecker Finished - AEDM 17

Here's the finished painting, and my entry for AEDM 17. I'm pleased with the composition and the colors. The curves and motion work as I'd hoped, and the trees lend some height and structure. I realized while drawing them the the trees are tulip poplars and cypress - I'm not sure how I know that or why it is, but it is. Ain't no arguing with the inner artist, or even much fruit in questioning. Listening is good, or getting out of the way.

Next painting is already in my head, though I haven't drawn it yet. It won't be a found painting - it sprang entire up in front of me, in our living room. And another set of random lines is already started on another square, for yet another painting. I prefer to have several going at once.

Tonight we went to the Graham (an old theater in the heart of Graham, NC - a real place) to the The Dark Knight. We was my two older children, who have already seen it twice, and myself. Dearest and youngest should not see it. I was as overwhelmed with the movie and Heath Ledger's performance as my daughter predicted.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice painting. I love the trees. There is always something about trees that inspires me.

Anonymous said...

Lovely painting. I really like the composition and the colors!

Anonymous said...

the light and movement in this picture are breathtaking! I haven't seen the Dark Knight yet - but it's on my list (for 5 minutes to sit down and enjoy)

Lynn Cohen said...

Yes, beautiful painting...I LOVE the hand puppet with all the buttons...Adorable. My grandkids would love it. I'll have to make a few with that inspiration! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Oh, my. Is this one for sale? I'm serious.

Unknown said...

Beautiful painting! The colors are so clean and clear ....

L'Adelaide said...

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this painting come to life and it surely has! It's an amazing painting and I love your use of color to bring out the bird as well as the trees and how they make the bird seem to be UP in the air above them...I can really feel the motion in this...I am hoping you share your next painting, from beginning to middle to end in the same way as I learn so much from seeing your process.

Melissa said...

Uh wow. I'm blown away...or flown away. Whichever. Truly amazing.

~Chirp Chirp~
Melissa

Anonymous said...

Opening this was like Christmas morning after watching this painting develop!

It's completion is fantastic. I love the one shock of red that is the bird's head.

Anonymous said...

I have given you an award over at my blog because I wnat to share your wonderful site with all my folks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Steve...as the lone male that has been visible in the AEDM Challenge, I have enjoyed seeing this piece come to life...kudos!

Anonymous said...

"Ain't no arguing with the inner artist, or even much fruit in questioning. Listening is good, or getting out of the way." Oh yum; I LOVE that. :)

Steve Emery said...

Wow, everybody. I'm really lifted up by all these comments.

Helen - Trees - I don't even know where to begin. I could have been a druid. I have had relationships with some trees. I found a favorite oak in the mountains blown down and dead a few years ago, and my family had to leave me there to grieve for an hour alone. So they are powerful creatures in my inner world. I'm beginning to be able to get some of that out on paper.

Fran - thanks!

Tammy Vitale - Thanks! The Dark Knight has been in my head one way or another much of the day today. Overwhelming movie.

Lynn - Thanks - and thanks for finding my sock puppets. They started a long time ago with Faw - and I hadn't done any in years until one day I had an irresistible urge and made Nicker. I hope you get to make some.

Pagan - Wow, thanks. Yes - it's up on my gallery page. That new layout means I can get them up quickly.

Linda- Many thanks - especially for getting me involved with AEDM (through your own involvement). I have already started photographing the process on the next one, starting earlier, when the lines are nonsense. I hope to also trace the progress on the other, which is from an image I took of the cats.

Melissa - Thanks!

DCup - Thanks!! And I'm very happy that you noticed that red shock - it's not the only red in the painting, but the others are mostly there to echo or reflect. In a fall landscape I find the red heads of woodpeckers, and the red and black of cardinals, like a jolt of adrenalin.

Tammy Vitale - Thanks! I'll come look in a few moments.

Authentic Art Visions - Welcome and thanks! I've got to check out your work.

Deb - I wish I were always that good. Some days I'm just a dried up old prissy scholar, and then the inner artist curls up and goes to sleep until more interesting days...

Again, everyone, wow and thanks!

Unknown said...

Amazing. I love the way the Woodpecker seems to be soaring high over everything but is still intertwined with the trees. An awesome juxtaposition of freedom and dependency in brilliant color.

When I went to see TDK, I was sure that everyone was overstating Ledger's performance because of the tragedy that befell him before the movie's release. Watching the movie made me understand how useless words are in describing his performance. I was completely blown away. When the stunts and effects climbed over the top and threatened to break the supports suspending my disbelief, he popped onto the screen and pulled me right back into the story.

Alex

Steve Emery said...

Alex - Thanks very much. And Ledger's performance has haunted me for two days now. The walk, the laugh, the mouth, the voice, the eyes, the delivery... Unforgettable.

carin.c said...

I took a look around your blog. I love your painting style... wonderfully vibrant color!

Steve Emery said...

Carin C - Thanks! And welcome!