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And finally…I take a risk and expose myself

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I know you’ve been waiting with bated breathe. After all my promises of posting an example of where recent explorations have been taking me, today, finally, I’ll take you through the process of just such a pastel.

 

It’s all about risk. Risk….scary stuff.

 

“Risk is a necessary part of painting. You have to put yourself in harm’s way in order to stretch your competence and continue to learn.” 

~ Thomas M. Nicholas 

 

I’d been playing with pure abstraction over the last few months and also continued to do life drawings whenever possible. When I discovered Jylian Gustlin’s work (see my previous blog), the light bulb went on – BAM! I love colour, I love process and I love drawing and painting figures. Now I could combine them all!!

And this is what has emerged…..

 

1. The drawing – 24″ x 18″ charcoal on Wallis Belgian Mist paper drymounted on foamcore

 

2. The first layer. It took me awhile to get going. I did a lot of pondering but finally I just leapt in with colour. I wanted to place the figure in a non-realistic background but at the beginning, there is still a sense of placement in a space. I kinda liked the way it looked but I knew I had to take the risk and go further.

 

“In painting, you have to destroy in order to gain… you have got to sacrifice something you are quite pleased with in order to get something better. Of course, it’s a risk… ”  Graham Sutherland

 

 

3. As you can see, quite a change! So here’s what I was thinking. I wanted the background and subject to be one. I wanted them to have equal importance. I wanted the figure to read against the background but wanted the lines between the two to dissolve. And so, as you can see, I began to run the pastels over the dividing lines.

 

4. I took a look at what I had done in black and white. I wanted to see the balance and placement of values (darks and lights) as well as the overall look without the distraction of colour. I felt the left side needed simplifying.

 

5. You can see I have simplified the left side. I’ve also softened the line between light and dark on the buttocks. From now on, it’s a matter of long ponderings, small changes, as I risk destroying what I already have.

 

6. I’ve taken out the final square top left and redrawn the head which I felt had become too large.

 

 

7. I began making even more daring (for me!) random marks rather than sticking with cross hatching. I had started it in the background and now I carried it over the edge into the figure.

 

8. A few more small adjustments then another look at the whole in black and white. I think all looks balanced and I decide it’s finished.

 

9. A detail – can you find this area on the pastel?

 

10. Another detail (pretty obvious where this one comes from!)

 

11. And one last detail

 

12. “Distinction Dissolution” 24in x 18in, pastel on Wallis paper

 

Whew. Okay, it’s out in the open. I think the risk (both in the process of the pastel and now showing you) is worth it.

 

“Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can be explored only by those willing to take risks.”

~ Mark Rothko

 

Speaking of Mark Rothko, I see that the Belfry Theatre (here in Victoria, BC) is running a play called “Red” about Rothko. The play covers the period in 1958 when he was painting commissioned murals for the Seagram Building. The play received the 2010 Tony Award for best play. I MUST see it. I admire Rothko’s work immensely. It opened a couple of days ago and runs to 14th October. I’ll let you know what I think when I’ve seen it.

 

Thanks to Robert Genn’s website for the quotes on risk. If you haven’t been to his website, well you’re missing something. Check it out!

 

Until next time, I wish you a really special weekend. Take a wee bit of a risk! I leave you with this quote:

 

“A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things.”

~ Grace Hopper

 

You know I love to hear from you. Just click on the Comment link below. And there’s also a share button too 🙂

 

Thanks for taking the time to view my post.

 

~ Gail


 

 


 

 

20 thoughts on “And finally…I take a risk and expose myself”

  1. The Model

    You had to know I would love it! The colour is beautiful and it all works together – figure and abstract. You make it seem easy! Sail on girlie!

    xxoo
    A

    Reply
    1. Gail Sibley

      :-)))) Thank you so much Andrea. Funny that you think I make it look easy…..it sure is a struggle! But an oh so satisfying one!

      Reply
  3. JoanneSibley

    What a great painting and how interesting the process which you show so clearly. Love the colour also love the “guotes” and I am about to check out Robert Genn. Yes and maybe even take a few risks!

    Reply
  4. Kathie Smithson

    I love your work Gail! Beautiful lines, beautiful edges and amazing colour as always.
    You’re such an inspiration.
    So-o-o-o-o-o when is your next pastel workshop? I can hardly wait!

    K.

    Reply
    1. Gail Sibley

      Thanks Kathie!!! Hmmmm… I kinda dropped the ball on the workshop thing. I’ve been so focused on doing my work. I guess I’ll send out an email to ask for interest. I believe you are away one of these upcoming weekends. Maybe too late for plein air? ideas?

      Reply
  8. Ron

    The model and your technique or both lovely! Always great to see your beautifuls works. So happy to have a couple originals to admire daily!

    Reply
    1. Gail Sibley

      How lovely to hear from you Ron!! And yes, my model (and friend) Andrea IS lovey!! Glad you still have my two pastels 🙂

      Reply

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