It is always a challenge to create the atmosphere of a painting, to put on paper what is inside your soul, to convey your vision. I didn't want to use the standard black and white, good versus bad version of chess, but instead to inject some subtle colour into the painting, to give it almost a surreal feel. So I decided to create a suggestion of sky in the background with a break in the clouds lighting up the distant castled king. I also wanted another pool of light around the baby and the fallen king. It has taken many many layers of glazing but I'm pretty pleased with the effect.
Now to bringing the characters in the painting to life.
Ona
Ona, this is coming along beautifully. You must have such a patient hand and gentle spirit. I know what you mean about trying to put on paper what is inside your soul, convey your vision. It is exciting, challenging and at times so frustrating but well worth the effort. I am truly enjoying following your blog. Very inspirational to me.
ReplyDeleteoh wow, I love that surreal feel in this background Ona. I can't wait to see the chess pieces appear.
ReplyDeleteTracey
Hi Carol, is it patience or madness... I don't know LOL. As I painted each of those chess squares over and over again with each glaze to build up the colour I did wonder (grin) Thank you for your support.
ReplyDeleteThank you too Tracey. I really wanted that almost surreal feel because when the unexpected happens in life doesn't it almost feel that way?
Ona
One of the things I most admire, other than your marvelous painting skills, is the creativeness of your mind. Always a pleasure to see you bring a painting into its own.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann. I love painting portraits, bringing people and their personalities to life on the paper but I do also love being more creative on occasions, just playing with an idea to see where it takes me.
ReplyDeleteOna