December 14, 2007

Detail...

detail

Encouraged by the generous remarks left re my last post about Indigo Tracks, I've attempted a detail shot of my favorite spot. On the original, it appears as a gray smudge in the upper right area, this detail still doesn't do it justice. Maybe I need a better camera... the non jiggling kind!

I've been going back through images of work completed 3-5 years ago, looking for techniques, symbols and assorted marks I've forgotten about. Sometimes I look at a WIP and wonder what it needs, wonder why it's so flat, has no oomph. Reviewing old work can remind me of forgotten elements. Repetitious pattern, marks made like tracks ambling across the canvas is at the core of this painting.

Daphne suggested that the composition resembled a kimono. I LOVE kimonos and made many of them back when I knew how to operate a sewing machine. But I never thought of this A frame composition of lines might resemble one. I like that!

I'm being diligent about regular studio hours and have a number of works in progress, some are reaching an encouraging state but I swear it's like birthing multiple babies to get them to crown! Lots of hours in labor before progress begins to show. Well... it doesn't hurt all that much but the analogy is just too appropriate. Hopefully there will be something else to show before the end of the year. Okay... I'm slow, but that's me.

Speaking of the holidays (end of year comment counts, right?) I've already gone on record as having little use for the hoop-la of Commercial-mas, and crowds are my nemesis unless I have a solid plan to get in and get out. So I've taken the chicken way out and I write family checks for my kids to purchase and/or disperse as needed among theirs. Let me tell ya, this is so freeing! I'd rather gift impulsively than on command. Still, there are a few personal gifts that are called for and procrastination has lead me to this point in time with nothing to show for it. Guess I need to make that plan to get in and get out... yikes!

10 comments:

Olga Norris said...

I am so with you! I now give to charity at Christmas and gift impulsively at other times.

Thanks for the detail. I love that - is it writing/is it not markmaking. The colours glow even more. What you probably need is a tripod if it's jiggling that is the problem. Treat yourself. Or, as it is the traditional season for giftgiving, get someone else to treat you!

Anonymous said...

Oh, that totally does it for me! What an extraordinary detail Karen. The indigo works well!

When I take pictures of my work, I often turn off the lights in the room and use the flash, then I work it in photoshop until it looks like the real thing. It doesn't always work, but more often than not.

Jacie Wiggs said...

Sorry Karen that was me.

CMC said...

great detail........not long ago I went out and bought a monopod/unipod....lots easier than lugging out the who tripod that I always have a time getting set on uneven grass/lawn anyway. It keeps the camera steady. I have IS on the little camera and it really helps that one as the smaller the camera, the more you seem to move it when taking the pic.

p said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
p said...

I'm not paying attention! I just deleted my comment i left about can't wait to see this as a whole...duh, there it is below. I guess this piece is different looking, feels very in my face and up close. I keep wanting to see more, like push it back.
the colors are wonderful, and i think daphne was right on!

Karen Jacobs said...

I do use a tripod for formal shots but the detail was captured as it hung over the fireplace and I was shooting blind with the camera over my head... took several shots hoping to get a steady version. I know I need a new camera but can't decide between a point and shoot (I nearly always have my old Sony in my jeans pocket) and a double the price/quality version. Probably should go with the latter for studio shots and just keep the Sony for g-kid shots.

I love detail shots because I generally go around a gallery leaving nose prints on paintings that interest me... and I suspect you guys do as well. BTW, the marks were made with two instruments... a splayed chip brush for the lighter ones and the edge of a piece of corrugated cardboard. I use only the best materials!

Jacie Wiggs said...

Are you saying you were using your head for a tripod?

Then hey! Not a bad shot!Note to self, try using head as tripod.Ha!

Does someone have a lawn? Like the green grass variety? Wow!

Seth said...

I love detailed shots - I call them fragments - and I have really been enjoying your series of details. Great work!!

Martha Marshall said...

My Christmas experience has pretty much been the same as yours, Karen. I'd much rather give the perfect gift whenever I see it, no matter what time of year it is!