Santa Monica Beach – work in progress 16 x 20" oil on linen
© 2010 Katherine Kean
I almost never put people in my landscape paintings. In this case I may. Maybe because I decided to do this painting during New Year's morning spent with friends on this beach, the people feel to me like they are a part of the landscape. In addition they take up so little space, serving more to give scale to the sky.
I've done several variations in sketch form while I try to decide whether or not to include the lifegaurd shack and the telephone pole in the image. I'm still unsure. Sometimes I think they add something and sometimes I don't. I may have to do two paintings before I find out.
8 comments:
I like the idea of putting your friends in...would be interesting to see. Either way...your paintings are always beautiful!!
I am fascinated by your underpaintings. I have never worked that way and I am intrigued. They are so beautiful just on their own.
This particular painting does seem to lend itself to having human figures in it. The sky and beach are so vast that it reminds me of that lovely feeling I get when I know I am just a little tiny creature in the huge, huge universe. I'm looking forward to seeing this painting develop, whichever way you decide to go!
Thanks Kathryn! I'm warming to the idea myself.
Hi Gabrielle - that sense of vastness can be a wonderful feeling.
I like the underpaintings too, but there's even more depth when they're painted over.
I love seeing your process! All of the compositions are beautiful. The idea of an empty beach seems so inviting, but you do have fond memories of being there with your friends - can't wait to see how this comes out.
Katherine:
I agree the addition of the beach elements and figures add scale. Also changes the mood. I remember you posted about digitally manipulating an image of your painting to try things out; might be an option here again.
Thanks Diane!
Marianne, exactly - that might give me the information I need.
Nice and creamfully dreamy abstract feel here ... I tend to go back and forth between the types of changes you describe. It all comes down to which kind of mood you choose to focus on. I can see merit in any of your options, or combination of them.
Hi Country Dreaming, it does come down to making that choice. Thanks for stopping by!
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