Tuesday, July 14, 2009

What Kind of Day by BJ Wright

7"x5" oil on RayMar panel, painted en plein air, alla prima, on July 9th (completed 9:35am)....$35 including shipping...I let the shapes of the tree and grasses dictate the direction of this little painting. Upon closer investigation, the reflected light at lower right/center appeared as the center of a breaking ocean wave.
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6 comments:

chuck larivey said...

Hi BJ, Interesting, almost abstract...ever tried palette knife?

I'm just full of questions :=) Have you ever used "Copal medium" a dryer and used for transparent build up?

bj said...

I've used a palette knife on occasion for rocks in the foreground, weeds, etc, but I don't use them very much. I always have them with my brushes...just don't pick them up often. I need to think about that.

I've used the Copal medium, but not lately. You have to be careful (especially when you've opened the bottle a lot) that the medium will dry around the lid. And sometimes a grain of dried medium will sneak into your paint and leave a crust/grain in the brush stroke. That's ok if you're going for that look. I like Liquin as a medium (when I use one). It speeds drying and makes a good glazing medium. Keep in mind that it will make the paint look shiny when dry.

chuck larivey said...

Just a hunch , but you might be a natural.

I have a long history with copal for portrait work, also good for atmospheric conditions. I started my moon series and it was the only way to get the depth and transparency - now I'm using it on everything. I use Resin-gel for palette work.

I bought a UB filter for my camera today, can't wait to use it. I was on the bay Sunday...got a lot of dramatic storm clouds pictures

bj said...

I have lots of filters, lenses, etc for my 35mm camera...but I only use my little digital camera now.
A natural??

W. Charles Windom said...

Wonderful abstract quality, yet easily recognizable.

bj said...

Thanks for the kind comment! It seems that lately I'm taking ques from the landscape, but the resulting painting process is taking a decidedly abstract turn. I'm interested to see where it's taking me.