Saturday, May 1, 2010

Baroque (adjective)

Emphasizing dramatic, often strained effect, bold curving forms, ornamentation and the overall balance of disparate parts.
I had this term in my head as I began this picture. The painting started off much lighter though. So, to the background I kept adding a mix of earth tone glazes ( black, raw sienna, burnt umber), with a brick red highlight thrown in for dramatic effect. I rarely employ glazes in my painting process but picked up a better understanding of their use while working on this one. That handy knowledge will benefit future pictures. The only problem, dust! the oily mixture attracts it like ants to a spilt co-cola.
Above: Tulip (Baroque) 28x25, oil-canvas, 2010