New painting – “Glass On Glass”
"Glass On Glass"
What, then, to do when the usual subjects are not inspiring me at the moment? The solution generally is to do something different. In this case placing a group of wine bottles in front of my studio’s picture window with the intention of painting some compositions. This work “Glass on Glass” is the first painting completed. Glass is difficult due to its combination of transparency and reflectivity. In the case of this painting, I focused more on the transparency and worked on capturing the various value and color shapes created by the overlapping of the transparent bottles and the areas where the opaque labels blocked the transparency. Shapes colors and values were all simplified and some realism was sacrificed in favor of pattern and rhythm .
Another choice made in order to mix things up and get the creative and inspirational juices flowing was to work on a different surface. In this case, I painted on Arches 140lb hot press paper. I generally use this paper for architectural illustration work as it has the advantage of being relatively correctable. It’s press surface prevents the pigment from settling down into the paper fibers. The effect is to enhance transparency – a perfect attribute for a subject such as glass.
This work will be framed and on display in my studio for Open Studio Weekend, May 29 & 30, 2010.
Below is a quick prep sketch done in a watercolor sketchbook and from a different point of view.
The bottle arrangement is still set up and another painting is underway – more to come.
Contact me if you have an interest in this or any other paintings on the site. Email me at tc@tonyconner.com or by phone at 802-375-5548.
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I’m loving your new site – especially the slide show on home page. It’s great to read about and see this new work. The bottles are wonderful. You’re inspiring me to get back to my watercolors from an extended break. Thanks!