Artist R.L. Gibson

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Artist R.L. Gibson

Tag: color theory

DAY 24: Slough

Posted on by R.L. Gibson

"Slough" (5"x5 watercolour) by R.L. Gibson•

A month of painting is winding down. Or is it?  It is Day 24 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge; my offering is “Slough” (watercolour, 5″x5″).  This piece began as a study of complementary and split complementary color layering, and ended feeling like a sloughing off of previous days’ works.  I have struggled with this 30 days of painting while trying to build a larger series of works.   Allowing myself to produce bad work is necessary to break the need for perfectionism, but producing bad work doesn’t get easier.  I have produced some real stinkers this week that I haven’t shared.  With the challenge coming to a close, I realize that these daily paintings have been the bright spot in a frustrating struggle with my other larger work.  Maybe this is the beginning, not the end.

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As a xerographist, my work tends to be, almost exclusively, representational.  The 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge offers me an opportunity to revisit abstract painting as an alternate voice. 

Should I end the 30 Days by sharing larger work?

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DAY 8: 38°

Posted on by R.L. Gibson
"38°" (acrylic & gold leaf on 5″×7″ unstretched canvas) by R.L. Gibson
“38°” (acrylic & gold leaf on 5″×7″ unstretched canvas) by R.L. Gibson

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It is Day 8 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge sponsored by painter Leslie Saeta.  My eighth offering is “38º” acrylic & silver leaf on 5″×7″ unstretched canvas.  Available for $50 in my Etsy Shop.

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As a xerographist, my work tends to be, almost exclusively, representational.  The 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge offers me an opportunity to revisit abstract painting as an alternate voice.  To be more precise, I need a way to voice my anger.  This work is as close as I’ve come.  Typically red is used as symbolic of anger, but red is my happy place.  Yellow, on the other hand, seems aggressive in that southern way one smiles with gritted teeth.  This piece was finished with clinched jaw.  It is a good start.

38º is eighth of a number of paintings inspired by traffic circles:  “As a frequent traveler, I am both comforted and amused by the familiar behaviors found while traversing the traffic circle.  Well-intentioned drivers lean forward to afford themselves a better view of street signs, use their right turn signal despite all options being right turns, momentarily hit the brakes not quite certain of their choice before barreling ahead often without noticing the presence or location of other drivers on the circle or having to go ’round again because they missed the mark the first time.  It is sort of a perfect metaphor for navigating life.”

Remember, this canvas is available for $50 in my Etsy Shop.

Next stop? Day Nine.

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PAPER indulgences…

Posted on by R.L. Gibson

BACK
to the books

As I prepare for my upcoming journey of adding color to my work–possibly on a semi-permanent basis, I have become excited by delving into color theory once again.  My eyes know the theory, but my brain has taken all for granted. So, I am allowing myself the ultimate indulgence of someone living a purposefully pared-down existence…art books–yum!

Deciding what NOT to purchase and/or borrow has been the hardest part. I’ll keep you updated on the books I love!  Today’s choice Confident Color: An Artist’s Guide To Harmony, Contrast And Unity by Nita Leland.  Today’s recovered art-i-fact from Confident Color: “Once in a while, you may want to go a little darker in value without overpowering that light feeling. [sic] Burnt Sienna turns any saturated paint color into an earth hue.”  Thanks, Nita! Burnt Sienna–today’s happy place.

Find your happy place. Go there.  And, go often.

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