Friday, May 14, 2010

On Putting Down the Brush

Orange Umbrella 2, acrylic,  approx. 11x11, Elizabeth W. Seaver

Put down the paintbrush and back away from the painting, is my favorite quote from an instructor.  Knowing at what point to stop painting is a hard thing for an artist to learn, I think.   We always want to keep fiddling with something.

This week, I planned a series of shore paintings with a simple underlying design.  Once the under paintings dried, I was going to add collage elements on the umbrella domes(?!)  But at that point, the paintings felt nearly finished.  I did some detail work and put down the brush. 

Hard, that!

It will present a framing challenge, since it is on 3/4" mdf and an odd size--reclaimed, in fact.  I will paint on almost anything.  Don't stand still too long when I have a brush in my hand.

Am I the only one who loves orange and blue together in a painting? 

13 comments:

Linda Popple said...

I love this! Simple and abstract. And I am one who likes blue and orange - especially on the football field! War Eagle - Auburn University where all 3 of my sons earned their undergraduate degrees!!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Linda! I'm glad you like my restrained painting. Go Blue and Orange!

Thanks for stopping by.

Pam Holnback said...

This is bright and fun! Blue and orange are complements and go well together.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Yes, art 101, right. Thanks, Pam.

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

Wonderful advice from an art instructor. Sometimes my husband says he will buy the painting off the easel so I will stop painting on it?! I love orange and blue...funny not so much red and green or yellow and purple.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Simple and the colours sing. Orange and blue are my favourite colours together. I've even considered it for my living room, but The Other One can't be swayed from boring beige...

Knowing the moment when enough is enough is always a challenge. The other quote that comes to mind from unknown lips and that are the predecessor for disaster are 'I'll just adjust this little bit here.' :)

Unknown said...

You put down the brush exactly at the right time with this one! Your minimalistic style is so effective. The composition and colors are great and, like you, I love orange and blue together.

martinealison said...

Vous allez à l'essentiel et l'essentiel est chaud comme le soleil ...beau travail

Brad Gailey said...

I like that quote too, and usually I let it rest a couple of days then decide if the work is done. Blue and yellow with good value shift, lovely!

Brad

Michelle said...

Very nice! Has a very clean look to it but also a lot of warmth too!

Gwen Bell said...

Really love the abstract lines of this and that great pop of red!

Celeste Bergin said...

uber cool. I can see this painting on any wall.

Jerry Points said...

Elizabeth...looked over your work again and you continue do do very creative works. However, I love the simplicity and texture of this work. You know I am a big fan of orange, especially when it contrasts with blue. Hope you do more in this series.