July 21, 2010

"Oh Lucy!"

Oil on linen mounted on board 6" x 8"

...you got some splainin' to do! Actually I've got some splainin' to do. Today's painting was an experiment with painting on a more textured surface than I have been using for these little studies. I had an e-mail from someone who liked my work but preferred a more textured surface than my usual ampersand panels . Oddly enough, I find the brushwork is more pronounced on a smooth support, as the stroke has no place to hide and is there for all to see. I'll grant you that you do get an evening out and diffusion of light reflected off the surface of a cloth support but on such small work it is tantamount to painting on burlap if you scaled it up. I personally like the bit of tooth that ampersand panels have.

I met Lucy last week at a friend's house. I assume her appellation was derived from a certain wacky redhead that we all know and love. She is a sweetheart.


I've had to begin comment moderation as I have been getting a lot of spam on the comment page lately. Sorry about that but your feedback is still important to me so keep 'em coming.

9 comments:

Diane said...

You got Miss lucy perfectly..LOVE IT!!

Deb O said...

I want to touch her! And she has the sweetest face! Good job.

Bob said...

Hey Mark: Do you ever have trouble getting the paint to adhere to a panel as opposed to painting on canvas? I've found the panels to be "slick" and have had trouble getting an even coverage with the paint. Do you have any advice you could give me? Thanks.

Mark Adams said...

Bob, what type of panel are you using? I find ampersand panels have just the right amount of texture, that of very very fine sandpaper which holds the paint well. Also, the type of medium you use can make a difference. I use W&N painting and glazing medium

Dean Grey said...

This painting makes me want to dye my hair red now!

-Dean

Mark Adams said...

I bet you could rock that look Dean.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes you just need to go back to black velvet...

Francesco di Baltimore

Mark Adams said...

Alas, Black velvet really requires a UV (black light) light source to show the work off to it's best advantage. So few people have the requisite illumination these days. What's the matter with kids today?

Anonymous said...

I am Lucy's dog mom. Mark has done an incredible job of capturing Lucy's personality and sweetness. And this was done after only spending a very short time with her. Lucy is now 14 years old and I will treasure this painting of my lovely, funny, intensely sweet Lucy for many years to come.

Deborah B.