This weekend I simply had to take this painting out of its frame and make some subtle but important changes. The top photo shows the changes.Changes --- #1 Got rid of that mustard color on it and glazed it with some pale indigo -#2 Eliminated the '+' sign in the small grate on top of it - #3 Integrated the other gold small grate into the grates under it. It was the only full circle, and the edges of it had to be broken. It really helped to clean up that big white grate. #4 Softened the strong, thin, white diagonal at the top right of the painting and lifted some whites out of the fancy grate near it. #5 Added an illusion that the white paint stripe coming from the top left of the painting continued through to the orange grate centered at the bottom of the painting.
That mustardy color on that big grate really seemed to weight down the rest of the painting, but it took me a while to see that that was an issue. Originally, the fancy grate was to have been the focal point, but as I painted, it became evident that the big white grate would be the boss. The white 'T' shape next to the fancy grate became overly important until that mustard color on the big grate was eliminated.
So now it really is FINISHED! (Started over a year ago in my head, then composed in February, painted in most of March, and finished, the first time, in June.) I like that the wording on the grates - about Indianapolis sewer and utility companies - is not noticeable unless you're up close.
The painting's traveling to Indianapolis in a week or so where it will be hung. It will be very hard to part with it, but I will have visiting rights. Right now it's my favorite painting ever. Though it seemed really big when I started it, it only appears medium sized to me now. I must put in an order for a big roll of YUPO to paint on..... wider than 40" for sure.
"AMAZING GRATES" Fluid Acrylics on Heavy Weight YUPO 40 x 26" COLLECTED
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10 comments:
Hi Sandy, Wow! I have enjoyed watching you develop this design. It's stunning! I think making a design with lots of circles work is challenging. And you've done it most superbly!
Great eye, good job, Sandy! Those were very subtle changes, but really did make a more integrated and beautiful painting.
Well which ever way you look at it,,,it is a work of art for sure,,,makes me go WOW everytime I see it:) Great title pick too.
You've changed the whole mood of this painting, Sandy. I like the changes! It has more depth and isn't so overwhelming to look at. Bravo!
You have excellent color and value skills and you are very brave. The painting is beautiful and just got even better.
Dear Sandy,
Very interesting and amazing to look at your changing that makes the work even more better. Thank you for sharing.
Kind regards, Sadami
What a treat to see you develop the painting and take it to a spectacular finish!!! Thanks for sharing the process -a wonderful lesson /demo in finishing and critiquing for the rest of us! Bravo and Thank you again :)
Always loved this one - each and every version!! The images from the workshop are stunning and I loved the work you created of Venice.
As always Sandy, I love your work. You are such an accomplished artist and I love how you see wonderful designs in everything.
I want to wish you and your family a very wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Sandy, where will your "Amazing Grates" be in Indianapolis? It is beautiful. Love that title. You have such a great eye. And you've taught us that sometimes it takes a long time to see what subtle changes need to be made for a finished painting. Patience. Patience. And a keen eye. Thanks for sharing your process.
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