Thursday, February 17, 2011

"Dust and Thunder" Update: Growing Pains

Have I mentioned that I don't do foliage?  Well, practically.  Developing the foreground and foliage under these horses' hooves caused me to wonder..........when did I last execute any form of plant life?  After some deliberation (and the 20+ years I quit drawing altogether don't count), I recall it was in a pen and ink drawing in or around 1978.  So clearly, I don't do foliage.


Despite this fact, I recently completed laying in the foreground and foliage in "Dust and Thunder".  One of my goals with this piece has been to begin to develop a looser technique -- to successfully suggest detail, rather than attempting to draw every detail.  Though I'd probably be embarrassed if I knew how many hours it actually took me to develop the foreground, I'm pleased that I seem to have managed to clutch the reins a little less tightly -- in other words, hopefully I am relinquishing some artistic 'control issues' just a bit.  (Moi'?)

Presently I am tweaking the darkest values on the horses themselves, then will move on to continuing the development of the dust around the horses' legs -- something I look forward to.  With that, as well as the placement of the light source and landscape behind the horses, I will be able to address the contrast issues I discussed in my last post.

Thanks for reading.

10 comments:

  1. Linda, this just gets better and better. I hope you realise just how good this is!

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  2. Lynda it's beautiful. The "suggested" foliage adds so much depth and feeling. I can really sense where the horses are now, and almost smell the associated dry terrain that they are racing through. I can't wait to see this drawing in person.

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  3. Thanks, Cindy and Peter. I am finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel with this one. There was such an extended period of time in 2010 I did not work, given the circumstances, and so I am starting to get excited at the prospect of it being OFF my drafting table!

    Yes, Debbi; they certainly feel more planted now as opposed to being floating horses! I'm very excited to be moving on to the last steps, and see how the image pulls together (assuming it will, haha).

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  4. Love. This. Piece. I agree with Debbi - the foliage does add a lot of depth and interest, without distracting from the focal point. This is such a unique idea, and so well executed - an award winner for sure.

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  5. If I drop my jaw any further in awe I'll have to scrape it off the floor! This is definitely a powerful piece Lynda! The foliage gives it such depth and the warm colors you are using through the dust compliments and gives even more depth to the horses!
    I can't wait for the next post!

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  6. Holly, that. Is. So. Sweet. : )
    Interesting you mention the 'idea' of this piece, as I have been thinking alot about that. Though I initially approached it with great apprehension, through its process I've become somewhat intrigued with the idea of creating movement. Not sure where these thoughts will take me, but I think I see another Wyoming photo shoot in my future! Thanks.

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  7. Now Dianna......you'd better get that jaw off the floor before Bill or one of those kids steps on it! Thanks so much. I just know you are working on something AWESOME over there, and can't wait to see it.

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  8. I absolutely agree with Peter on this one. I look forward to seeing it progress. don't make us wait too long.

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  9. Thanks, Gary. I'm working with a submission deadline on this one, so hopefully it WON'T be too long. (Though I am totally amazed how much time it takes me to execute dust!)

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