In The Draw, Green9.75" x 9.75"
Pastel
Casey Klahn
We just returned from a weekend at the lake cabin, and I actually got a chance to relax. That was much needed after an art fair the previous week. Now, I have the follow-ups from the fair to attend to, which includes a post for my readers here at The Colorist. Tomorrow, I hope to get to that for you.
You may have noticed that I have been sneaking in videos on art subjects in the right hand column. Lectures, usually. I like this tool because I can manage it, and it keeps the footprint there fairly small. Also, it doesn't have the big you tube design around the player. Anyway - they are somewhat neat. In the future I will post others that I like; maybe Kassan drawing, or Pollock painting. These lectures are often very long, so make some popcorn and save up your internet kibbles.
You may have noticed that I have been sneaking in videos on art subjects in the right hand column. Lectures, usually. I like this tool because I can manage it, and it keeps the footprint there fairly small. Also, it doesn't have the big you tube design around the player. Anyway - they are somewhat neat. In the future I will post others that I like; maybe Kassan drawing, or Pollock painting. These lectures are often very long, so make some popcorn and save up your internet kibbles.
A very interesting, precarious balance. The little bit of indian red and ultramarine blue anchor it in place. Maximum impact for two pretty small spots, wow.
ReplyDeleteAnd those two little dots of indian red under the light green - couldn't do without them. Great exercise in precision.
I appreciate your view, Nika. One doesn't think these things out loud when he's painting, but you are spot on.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like the way the two dots were made level, but didn't notice that until I posted this. Weird.
I'm sure you're not "thinking" of these elements consciously. However, your 'deep mind" is ticking these things off. "Deep mind" is my own term and refers to unconscious thinking that always strives for equilibrium, akin to our inner ear.
ReplyDeleteEh, these two red dots are not exactly on the same level and that makes them work, I think. Another thing that I find interesting is how they are the bottom of the triangle composed of three little dots. That dot triangle is the same size, but inverted, as the triangle formed by grey, blue gray and ultramarine blue spots in the center. That juxtaposition is subtle but it does it's job. Do I make sense?
Okay, I do see the small blue/etc triangle - if you segregate it from the blue gray above. They point at one another. Now I'm seeing subtle pink triangles, too.
ReplyDeleteStronger still, which I think was intended, was the chiastic ("X") shape of the overall composition. There are these narrow draws filled with grass and wild rose bushes around here - I invented this from memory based on those.
Another strange occurrence is how the colors now match our high summer colors, although I did this in early springtime.
This does have a precarious sense of balance as Nika said. I like how the composition and color draw my eyes back to the darker tones and that blue.
ReplyDeleteHi Casey, I wanted to thank you for visiting my blog and for your great comments. It's been 2-3 weeks but we left for vacation immediately after you left your comment. It made me happy that someone finds my silly posts funny. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteI am very familiar with your wonderful blog, I've been checking in on you for a long time, so I was so excited that you found my little old blog.
Your many thoughtful and eloquent posts have been helpful and inspirational over the last couple of years for me. And this pastel painting you posted today is AWESOME. Wow!!!
Joan
10Q, Brian. I really didn't know it was precarious, but I dig that word.
ReplyDeleteHey, Joan. I really appreciate your long readership. Maybe the blog world isn't capped by a brass sky, after all.
I see I wrote about your cool homemade pochade box. I am currently stalking a new pastel palette box with trays that Judson makes (I am not a paid advertiser - yet) but have to contemplate it more.
Okay, this is ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES!!
ReplyDeleteThat is saying something, oh long-time reader and fellow fine artist, Jala. Thank you kindly!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me feel like the land is folding -- and beautifully lit. The high key makes it look like summer. And hot, dry summer at that. Nice.
ReplyDeleteYeah, a world away from Alaska in those ways. Take care, Katherine.
ReplyDeleteAs long as I'm not expected to be anywhere or do anything else, I'm content to spend time staring at incredible paintings like this.
ReplyDelete...and I appreciate it, Sam.
ReplyDelete