Saturday, April 3, 2010

Storm Brewing

Well, 10 days away and I've just spent the entire morning going through so many of the blogs I've missed whilst sitting at the exhibition.  If I haven't left a comment, I'm still getting there.  So, still no painting yet.  Or maybe I'm just putting it off - no I will definitely be going into my studio this afternoon, or at the latest, tomorrow morning.  This afternoon I may just have to watch cricket and rugby - it is, after all, Saturday!

So now I'm being brave and posting a painting that I did on a course I did in February.  This canvas is BIG (for me) being 40" x 30"!  It was done in acrylics and I find that I don't like acrylics anymore - they dry too fast, especially in the heat.  I did like the size though, but in the end, hated the painting. 

I was the only one who hated it - oh my sister didn't like it either.  Everyone else in the class thought it was amazing, but I don't know whether they were just being kind.

Anyway, because I haven't done a thing for 10 days, I thought I would let you have a look at what I call "A Red Mess" but actually has been titled Storm Brewing.

(What about 'Picnic Time for Red Teddy Bears' ??)

28 comments:

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Liz, this is quite interesting, much different from your usual work. I see it as having some nice abstract qualities. I really like the brushwork.

I have such a hard time working in a large format and honestly I don't enjoy getting tied up with one painting for the extended length of time.

Autumn Leaves said...

Gosh Liz. Tell your sister to "lie" if she must! LOL That out of the way, I have to tell you that I really like this. There is a surreality to the piece...the trees seem to be almost melting (their color projects heat, much like molten lava). What a contrast to the cool blue of what looks like water to me! I think it is really cool to step outside of our comfort zones. I truly think you have a most awesome piece here! It has the same appeal as "The Scream" to me (and please; I do mean that as a compliment!!)!

Judybec said...

very dramatic colors here Liz and wow, it is a big painting -- that can be so freeing-- to work big. Good to see you experimenting!

Marian Fortunati said...

I agree that it is interesting and dramatic...
What was the course all about...???
It ALMOST looks abstract which I guess is what we should all learn more about... color composition and value...
Hope your Saturday games were wonderful and I look forward to seeing your next creation!!!

Prabal said...

Hi Liz,
Nice to see you back. I am sure you would have had a great time at exhibition. I think if this is put in the reception area of a big hotel, it will be a big crowd puller.

Carol said...

Hi - I still like it Liz - even more really seeing it now. I think you have made a few subtle changes since i last saw it? I think you may not like it because it is so unlike your usual work - give it time. Well done!

Lori Bonanni said...

Beautiful colors - they really pop! I'm going to have to try my hand at some abstraction!

Silver said...

I am visiting some painter friends today and stumbled here. Glad to view your art. It's gorgeous.

~Silver
Reflections

Sadia said...

Very eye catching Liz! It's like the trees are on fire reflected in the sky , charred bushes and hot bubbles in the lake. A storm for sure!
I wouldn't call it a mess at all.
Excellent abstract!
Also would like to wish you and your family Happy Easter!

FitFoodieMegha said...

Just a few color and you have created wonder! Great composition...:)

Art with Liz said...

Dear Carol, I so appreciate your comments. I think I am a long way off the abstracts so must just stick to admiring yours. One day, maybe!


Hi Sherry - ha you made me laugh! I usually kick my sister out of my art room when she's so honest, but I do think she's right on this one! Maybe I'm not ready for the abstract world and that is why I don't like this, but thank you so much for the amazing compliment!

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Judy! I like working bigger and the size was awesome! As for experimenting, I enjoyed the course and would try something like this again ... in time!


Gosh Marian, you nailed it. The course was abstract landscapes - from your imagination! Wonder what this says about my imagination??

(My darned rugby team lost their big game in Australia on Saturday!)

Art with Liz said...

Hi Prabal - you said exactly what some of my fellow course takers said! I know it's not going up in my small house - too big and too red! Thank you so much!


It's still sitting there Carol! Maybe it will grow on me - who knows - anything could happen!

Art with Liz said...

Thank you for the visit and the lovely comment Lori. I've always so admired Carol Schiff's abstract work and wanted to try it, but realise I am still going through my learning period!


Dear Silver, thank you so much. I felt quite sad reading your blog and hope that the world is looking a bit better each day to you.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you so much Sadia. I think me and abstracts have a long, long way to go, but I really appreciate your comment. And if you celebrate the holidays, I hope you had a good time too.

Maree Clarkson said...

I'm laughing here about the Teddy Bears' picnic - would be a really fitting name! And it's great Liz, full of drama and movement.

Art with Liz said...

Hi Megha and thank you. I guess the only thing I do like is the composition!

Silver said...

:) In time to come, it just may. I am carrying that hope in me.

Smiles,
~Silver

Dianne said...

Hey Liz, I love this painting! I see you are having a go with acrylics. The painting has a fauvist feel about it.

Art with Liz said...

Gosh Maree, your comment must have slipped in between my replies! Thanks so much and maybe I will change the name - always love making people laugh if I can!


I think you are Melissa? I wish I could read your blog but I keep getting these strange number things. Thank you for you kind words.

Art with Liz said...

Wow Dianne, thank you but when oh when are you going to also put your paintings back on the blog? Miss you.

Cathy Gatland said...

Hello Liz - sorry for being missing for so long - I've popped in now and then to look, but just too rushed to leave comments. I've so enjoyed your bird paintings, the Friends and this surprise abstract landscape. It does look very stormy and quite threatening - poor little red teddy bears! Thanks for all your visits and lovely comments on the workshops.
:( about the Stormers and the Bulls!

Peggy Montano & Paintings said...

Hey Liz, I'm glad you are posting again. Miss you when you are away.
This is a colorful and interesting composition.

Charlene Brown said...

I love everything about this except the colours. It would be perfect if it were 'Picnic time for purple teddy bears' with chartreuse instead of yellow highlights. Seriously Liz, it is very good, and has great impact.

Sishir said...

Its so different from what I have seen so far and to be honest I really like it!
It reminds me of the fact that there no limits or boundaries for creativity!

martinealison said...

Liz I have passed the Happy 101 Award to you. Please visit my blog when you can to check out the rules.
Hugs!

SKIZO said...

WOW
good creations

Rosemary said...

Oh My Goodness, Liz! I've been working in class and at home trying to create a web site and am slow making my blogging rounds! I sincerely like this painting! You know what a "realist" I am, so what is this telling me? Love the sagging branches on the trees...the sharp color shifts and the texture in the foreground! I think it's the size that makes it work for me! I bet it will grow on you! Thanks for posting this one! We should all leave our comfort zones once in a while - that's how we grow!