Friday, August 23, 2013

131 Exploring composition

I've stated before that composition is the most important component of art. It can be simple, some of the most beautiful paintings have a simple structure, yet also complex. One of my major frustrations with the many books I've read on the subject is that the essence of composition is often avoided in favor of formulas that often dodge the real business of design.

No doubt I have more to learn about composition but here is a video that sums up my current thinking.




Brad Teare August 2013

9 comments:

  1. HI Brad!

    Fantastic painting, my friend! I enjoyed seeing that large work very much! I've never done anything large. 24 x 30 is the largest. I want to try a larger painting sometime.

    Great video on composition. Design and composition are crucial to me as well. You've got some good information in there and it was great to see you provide an overview of your composition and design structures in this recent painting.

    It's good to see you back. All the best,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As always, Bob, thanks for your enthusiasm! It has been a challenge to paint such a large painting. I think I'm at the point where I need to turn it to the wall and not look at it for a week or two. I've been staring at it so long I can't see the flaws anymore! Definitely a growing experience.

      Delete
  2. This large painting is one of the most impressive works I've seen from you yet. I am inspired to create larger works now. Is it acrylic?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's oils. I'm finding I'm getting some good results painting in small sections and then oiling up the next session over dry paint with Gamblin's Galkyd medium mixed with 10% linseed oil. It is a big canvas, a bit hard to move around the studio but super fun. Highly recommended!

      Delete
  3. Interesting video. Lots of good points; especially the need to be creative about composition. Thanks for reminding us again. Sketching and experimenting is so important - easily overlooked.

    Obviously, a lot of thought went into your painting and the design works really well. The viewer navigates through and up the stream passing by several beautiful points of interests, plus the low angle, the lighting and the mood make this painting very captivating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Richard. I agree, one's compositional fingerprint should be as distinctive as one's brushstroke.

      Delete
  4. I am impressed by the quality of information on this website. There are a lot of good resources here. I am sure I will visit this place again soon.
    Abstract Paintings
    Abstract Paintings Art

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really like this painting. I agree with you about the need to resolve the r.h. part of the stream. Two other points: the central rock looks as if it has another balancing on top, and the bottom rock is v. Dark in tone and tends to draw my eye too much . Can only see this from a good distance away tho' and maybe it's just the video distortion. Don't mean to be over critical as I think your work is great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good points, Frances. I wil modify the painting accordingly. Thanks for your critique.

      Delete

Thanks for your comments!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...