Friday, January 31, 2014

These People Need Jesus...


but, for now, all they've got is me.


And I'm making a hash of it.


Somehow a sketch that had life and tension in it became this staid yawner. Booo Hissss Boo!

See how the hair in the drawing is a cohesive shape that could stand on it's on...a swoop with a contained explosion.  In the painting it's just a textury mess. No movement...no life in her body at all. This painting makes me want to punch myself.

We'll be taking the scraper to it tonight.

The image comes from the brawl at the Ascot in 2011...which I've only just discovered. Not on a bet could I have come up with something better than people in top hats and tails trying to crush each other's skulls in with champagne bottles.

We have had a winner though....


(That's better...the other picture is so murky)

Of all the paintings that have come out of my garage in the last two months...this, is probably the only one I truly happy with. It still wants a few touches when it dries...so there's still time to ruin it. Fingers crossed.

Next up...why you will never want to hear 12 bar, Delta Blues again.

 
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6 comments:

  1. DebumereFebruary 1, 2014 at 7:34 AM

    You surprise me Token. A man of many skills and talents.

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    Replies
    1. Erik BartlamFebruary 1, 2014 at 7:46 AM

      I do what I can but, you know what they say about that.

      Delete
  2. CFebruary 1, 2014 at 11:13 AM

    That sketch is IT. Beautiful. I know exactly how you feel about the transition from sketches to paintings, sometimes it just loses something. The pencil one stands up so well on its own, though, no need to fret about the colour one.
    The detail of the man's face is brilliant too. Great shades and textures, it looks like pain...
    And oils! I've never tried, think I'd like the fluidity of them though (I like using acrylics when it's cold because they're easier to push around!) I've got a starter pack of oil tubes I bought about a decade ago and never opened.... I may be coming to you for some tips.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erik BartlamFebruary 1, 2014 at 11:31 AM

      I don't know if you want any tips from me...I have no technique except fake it til you make it.

      I'm messy too.

      We've got one of those projectors. I didn't even think about it until you mentioned the light box...that could save me a lot of anguish.

      There are some bits in that painting that have been a revelation for me....now I want to burn everything else.

      Delete
  3. AmberFebruary 5, 2014 at 2:35 PM

    I think you should hold off punching yourself, I like your 'yawner' picture! The other painting is great. I like the way you did the lower half of his face.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erik BartlamFebruary 5, 2014 at 2:58 PM

      Thank you ma'am.

      On your advice I will refrain from punching myself...which, to be honest, is a relief. I've been trying to get up the courage to do it without much success. I can punch really hard. :)

      Welcome to the party...make yourself at home.

      Delete

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