This is "Watching the sunrise". I have an affection for this painting. For me, it's about the afterthought of watching the sunrise with those little birds and sharing a quiet moment with nature. For me, the act of watching light and observing how it falls on objects is at the heart of what picture making is about. The way light hits something is the first thing that stops me as a painter. It can sometimes make the hair on the back of your neck stand up...you know you've really got something. That's how I felt when I came across this boat and the way the rising sunlight was creeping up the back and side. The birds were not really there, I put them in as a device to share the experience with.
I use symmetry in my design to achieve a sense of stillness in some of my paintings. That's what's going on here with the boat and it's mirrored reflection. Everything is still; the boat, the birds, the water..the only movement is the implication of a rising sun outside of the picture plane.
This is oil on masonite, (10x20").
2 comments:
The fall of light has the same effect on me Todd, and will be the deciding factor what will make a good painting. Light is so important to the artist and the painting. Nice post. Gorgeous painting.
Thanks April...Light is a funny thing...a great light source can give you wiplash when you happen upon it..what a thrill.
Great to hear from you.
All my best to you,
Todd Bonita
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