I'll continue to use the figure (or figuration) to construct a framework or structure for the picture. After the structure is in place, then it is time to destroy it. This is extremely hard on the ego but is the only way that I have found that I can start to go beyond the image. I can destroy the image by adding another element, then taking it away. This forever changes the painting in unforeseen ways. Another way is to literally scrap out or erase parts of the image that look too precious, parts that you think look good. Then hopefully, the painting surprises you and you get caught in that moment (which is probably what Guston talks about his 20 minutes) where everything fits into place, there's nothing arbitrary happening. On the other side of that, is time to pause, or stop if you can no longer find a reason to re-engage with the painting.
It's those 20 minutes when I'm painting that I love and dream about when I'm away from my easel.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Non-photoshop retouching
Inspired to rework some paintings after I had Roy Green and PJ Kelly over for a studio visit. We got to talking about how sometimes you need to let the work sit for awhile and suddenly you see something you can add or take away. So here's the results of what I reworked.
Thought it'd be interesting to see the progression behind "Like Clockwork" (below)
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| Version 1 |
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| Version 2 |
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| Version 2 reworked |
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Chantal Joffe
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| Chantal Joffe, Night Self-Portrait in a Red Dress |
1. rich materiality of the paint
2. loose brushwork
3. the look of spontaneous gesture that is underpinned by careful study
4. stripes and colourful clothing worn by the models
5. frankness
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| Chantal Joffe, Untitled (2010) |
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| Chantal Joffe, Self Portrait |
Thursday, September 3, 2015
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