Monday, February 4, 2008

How Do You Like It?

So a few weeks ago, I kind of got into doing these paintings where I applied thin rice paper over a painted canvas, then tore away the parts of the rice paper that did not stick very well. In these torn away areas, I painted again. Well, here is another rice paper covered canvas:

This will also go into my Contemplation Series as Contemplation 7. It is a 12 x 24 deep, gallery wrapped canvas and obviously Mixed Media. With this one, the rice paper really stuck well...I was too generous I suppose. Anyway, I dry brushed several layers over the rice paper, then highlighted specific areas of the rice paper scrunches. It didn't seem complete to me, so I lived with it a couple of weeks. It kept calling me back, then I realized I needed something strong and more severe to balance out the softness of the background. So on went the black squares. It was just what the painting needed, I think.




As usual, I will not sign the front so it can be hung the way it best works in a variety of settings. But I thought it would be interesting to ask you how you best like seeing it? Vertically, it is much stronger and like windows, but horizontally, it is more restful like benches.

Seeing this on the web, out of context, makes a huge difference in how it would really be viewed. But I thought the answers would be fun...and it might make a difference in how I show it on the web, too.




Who knows, though, someone might want to hang it obliquely! :)



I hope you have had a lovely weekend and are looking forward to a wonderful week. I can't wait to hear from you.

12 comments:

Lynette said...

I would love to see all that great texture in person Kim! I think this looks great and I like how the shapes are arranged and the colors. Looking at this vertically makes me think of tall trees in the forest and looking at it horizontally reminds me of a world map where they show the continents and oceans. I think it looks awesome either way but for some reasone I'm favoring the vertical way. I love it!!

Todd Camplin said...

Your rice paper pieces are so good. This series has great legs, because you have taken it into some nice directions. I am really excited to see what you make next. These are strong, cloudy, and organic with a hit of geometric to contrast.
I think I would like to see the squares a bit more perfect in shape. It might make the contrast even starker.

Andrea and Kim said...

Hello Lynnette! You know that texture really does look quite different in person. When I was first looking at the rice paper, it did remind me of tree canopies. As you can see, I did highlight that a little bit, but it wasn't what I was looking for. I never thought of a map, but now that you mention it... I know why you like the vertical which reminds you of trees, you tree girl! :)

Seriously, thank you so much for helping me with this one. I am very interested in how people are viewing this. Your insights are always appreciated here. Thanks!

Andrea and Kim said...

Hello, My Busy Friend! It is good to see you visiting again! I totally get what is going on with you, though! Grad school is a real time grabber!

Thank you so much for your very helpful comments! I am glad you like these rice paper works. I do have some others playing around in my mind...because they take a lot more contemplation, which I like, I also have to work on other things between (small studio, you know).

I know what you mean about the sharpness of the squares. What I was trying to do was get some real sharpness, but I also didn't want to loose the rice paper texture below it. I think, on another hand, I just need to get in there with a smaller brush and literally tighten up those sides.

It is good to see you out and about, Todd. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

Hello Kim,

I keep on coming back to look at both version of this painting.

I do prefer the vertical one. It is more dynamic. It leaps toward the sky.
I love your textures and the colors are lovely.

I feel that maybe the square should be a different color.
They seem to go inward (inside the painting). I tend to want them going forward, outward toward the viewer, like a greeting, a kiss.

Anyway, it all depends on what you want to say.

I do like your long/tall format.

Great work.

Danielle

Andrea and Kim said...

Hi Danielle, I know just what you mean. It is going to be interesting to see what people think about how this.

What a great point about the squares being a different color so it moves forward. I had not thought of that idea, but will clearly explore that in another painting! Thank you! My initial intention on just about everything is internal, thus I move toward that. But you have shown me how I can gain both aspects by understanding the outward movement as a relationship to the intimate. I love the idea.

Long/tall...I have liked working with that format, too. I may be giving some other thoughts about my own focus with these wonderful comments.

Thank you so much, Danielle. Your input is so very appreciated...always!

Janice C. Cartier said...

Thanks Kim .
All best, Jan

Andrea and Kim said...

For those of you wondering...Jan found a friend from the past when she clicked here after I left a comment on her blog.

You are very welcome, Jan.

~Babs said...

Hi Kim,,,boy am I behind with your posts! You've been busy, and good for you!!
I think I prefer the vertical presentation,,,just feels stronger to me. The squares look like heavy iron pieces. I like it!

Andrea and Kim said...

Hi Babs! How was your time away? I have missed you!

I have been busy and feeling very happy about it!

Okay, I think vertical it is! Yes, it is stronger and with there being so much tension in this piece, I think you are right about that!

Ah, I am glad you like it, you know that means a great deal from you!

Good to have you back!

Elis Cooke said...

Hi Kim
I like the vertical best... isn't rice paper one of the most wonderful things to work with! namaste Elis.

Andrea and Kim said...

Thanks Elis! I really appreciate you visiting me here. You have a wonderful blog, and I so love your rice paper pieces, too.

Yes, rice paper is fantastic. Not only the texture, but the way it takes color is incredible.

Vertical...okay, I think that is agreed here! I appreciate the vote. :)