Oil Sketch, 12 x 16″, stage 2
I finished the sketch last evening, and spent some time today pulling things into shape. I’ve now spent hours in this place, experiencing and absorbing the energy of it, and as a result have a clear working sketch that shows nature as it presents itself.
However, a truly fine painting of the sea is, at heart, an expression of emotion. I believe that this sort of work must eventually be judged in large part by its ability to move the sensitive viewer. It may invoke a sense of tranquility, conflict, resolution, or hope in a visual way; affecting the mind through the eye much the way music can through the ear. I can point to the best works of Alexander Harrison, Frederick Waugh, and Winslow Homer as evidence of this.
So now, the serious question that I need to delve into is: What emotion best describes my experience here? What is the mood?
Without establishing that, the painting is only a fancy postcard…
So, the next step is a smaller, simple oil sketch. As if the finished painting were viewed from 15 feet away, to see how the structure speaks and what it suggests. I’m on it…nature as I’d like it to be.
2 Comments
A very dynamic sketch!. Darkening the darks of the rocks from the initial rendition has brought out more value change and added to the dynamism of the scene.
Glad you think so. You know how I am about trying to keep the water moving. It’s a remarkable place to work, the sea here is very “in your face” and overwhelming.
I’m redrawing in my sketchbook now that I have this oil sketch to jog my memory, and will do a small color piece when I arrive at what the final composition will be. I’ll need to reorganize some of the elements, emphasizing and minimizing some features to find the mood I’m trying to get at.