Saturday, October 24, 2009

"The Soloist" 24"x24" oil on linen


Back in September 21 I posted some of the things I think about while painting. Actually, I wrote that around my studio I have these yellow post-ums with reminders. Since then some of you have shared yours with me which has been so great and hope more of you will do so as well. So here are a few more of mine little notes. Many are not original ideas but taken from art books and artists.
*SIMPLIFY (I tend to noodle and dabble)
*create simple flat masses
*shadows first, they hold down the lights
*background, is used to create the halftones
*a brush stroke has a beginning and an end

17 comments:

Celeste Bergin said...

The note on my pochade box reads: Squint! (to remind me that if I can't see something while I am squinting to leave that something out of the painting).

I feel the swirling energy in your dancer painting. Good work!

Double "D" said...

What a gorgeous painting.
Great color and movement.

Nice.

loriann signori said...

Beautiful Susan! Energy and light. And yes, you know I agree simplicity is incredibly important.

Beck said...

Fanstastic Suz! I love this one!

Jill Berry said...

So much warmth and dynamic motion!

Love when you share the notes of expertise.

"Tea with Lemon" is a great work!

I noticed someone commented on your Oct 4th post that they liked the figures you included.
Last week I was with my Mom(from Greenville) showing her my blogger dashboard. As I scrolled down through your blog, she said "wait.. go back. See how she included people...I can relate to that better". So in case you ever wondered, my mom likes your work better than mine!! I like your work too!

Anonymous said...

wow, the energy in that painting, i can hear the music, and feel the vibrations of her movements!
r

Debbi said...

I love the painting but have to ask. How stiff was she at break time?

Karen said...

Gosh those sound just like my notes! :)
My Mom likes your work too.

This one has a really amazing sense of form/mass to it.

susan hong-sammons said...

Hi Celeste, Do you ever get a headache from squinting? I do so I try to look past what I'm painting. I think I squint too hard.

Hi Loriann, I was hoping to create her personally energy. Thanks

Hi Beck, Thanks for stopping by. Will you be at the Celebration show 2010?

susan hong-sammons said...

Hi Jill, Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I love working witht the figure but also stress about those paintings and their over all quality.
If you're mom is near Greenville, NC perhaps she would be interested in going to the City Art Gallery Holiday Show. I'll have several of my paintings there. Also, I'll new works will be highlighted of mine in January and I'll be at that opening.
Happy Painting!

susan hong-sammons said...

Hi Rahina,
you make me feel so good. I was worried I'd over-worked this one and lost the freshness needed to created energy and movement. Thanks you!!!

susan hong-sammons said...

Hi Deb, This model is young and in wonderful shape. She is a modern dance and belly dance instructor. She posed for a group of us over several days. We kept hiring back for long and short poses. Her energy never failed. Unfortunately she was moving. But after she got to know us she invited us to take photos so I would paint and shoot pics. This painting if from a quick study and photo. The quick study is 20"x10." I worked from the study the first half of the painting and finished mostly with the photo so no, she wasn't stiff.
p.s. she held a sort of splits/dance (very graceful) pose for 20 minutes

Marian Fortunati said...

I love your list of reminders...

Now.... if only I could remember them.... Do you think I could paint something as beautiful as "The Soloist"?

What a fabulous statement!... just beautiful, Susan. As others have said the light, energy ... the movement of this piece are really wonderful.

susan hong-sammons said...

Hi Marian, Thanks for your lovely comments. I'm so encourage to continue with this series.
As to remembering, that's why I love those sticky note pads although I probably could turn them into a book of art phrases. Happy Art-making!

Unknown said...

I´ve watched your posts and I´ve seen that you are able to paint differents themes very well. It´s great. Greetings.
Julián

black bear cabin said...

wonderful movement, color and light in this piece! i have a lot of dancer friends, and i believe you captured her beautifully! :)

p.s. thank you for visiting my blog...i am glad you did, as i enjoy yours too!

p.s.s. and thanks for the inspiration...i havent been able to paint in a while, my daughter is 3 and makes it a bit difficult right now...but i did buy some new paints recently and look forward to jumping back in again soon!

Jala Pfaff said...

Wow, fabulous.