February 22, 2008

"Apricot turnovers"


Oil on panel - 6" x 6"

The Baltimore Ravens aren’t the only ones guilty of turnovers. As many of my fellow painters have noted – everyday brings a new painting experience, some good, some not so good. Taking these pastries out of context and setting them on a neutral space, without a point of reference was not a good idea. I thought the glistening jelly and powdered sugar would carry the painting, but it was not so. I had the rag in my hand ready to wipe it down when my wife talked me down from the ledge and convinced me to post it anyway to show both sides of the creative process. Even a French title won’t help this one.

9 comments:

Mark Adams said...

Seeing this piece in the sober light of day, (actually it isn't light out yet, I just got up to feed JJ) I am less ill disposed towards it. I may go back later and warm up the background; maybe even put them on a plate or something (or not). I do like the feel of the pastries.

Sherry DeGhelder said...

Who needs a plate? Who needs a doily?
OK, maybe a napkin :)

Mark Adams said...

A napkin! Why didn't I think of that!

Candy Barr said...

How bout the title: "Torpedoes at 3 o'clock!" the description with all of your humility is touching. They're fabulous and so is your humor. I adore the food plate portraits that ensued.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks Candy,

I love your name BTW. Your title is certainly apropos! I must admit, the painting is starting to grow on me.

Don Gray said...

Mark, I think this is stunning, and I, for one, don't feel it needs any other descriptive detail surrounding the pastries.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks Don. Oddly enough, this is becoming one of my favorite little paintings. It really stands out on the shelf among the others. I used this background color a lot back in the 70's during for the mime paintings. It consists of equal parts of alizarin crimson, Prussian blue and yellow ochre. A little more of any one color would tip the palette in that direction, but still stay somewhat neutral.

Don Gray said...

Your change of heart about this piece is interesting, isn't it? I think we artists sometimes forget that we have to get accustomed to our own work when it falls a little outside the norms of what we're doing at the time, or when the work moves beyond our "intent."

Mark Adams said...

Well said, Don.