Through Hopper's Lens

 

More books are in the shelves.  Next I will indicate some titles, etc on the spines.  My house critic thinks I should add a Hopper book.  I'll think about that. Then, I hope to be able to get to the Windsor.   I'm going to need to put this aside until everything is dry.  In my rush, I'm constantly putting my hand in wet paint and smearing a finished area.  Also, I've lost my steady hand to arthritis.  What I could once do with ease re sharp lines is now a thing of the past.  So, I need to use a triangle or t-square which also requires very dry painted areas.  

Through Hopper's Lens

 

The Winsor, 24"x16", Oil on Panel

Things are so wet that I only cleaned up the blue wall surrounding the window and played a bit with the view out the. window.  Then, I needed to build a frame for College Seminar, the painting to be delivered on Saturday to the Marblehead Art Association.  

Through Hopper's Lens

 

The Winsor, Oil on Panel, 24"x16"

After working to straighten and paint in the window frame with the dark blue wall, I saw that the bookcase left edge was completely off and not aligned with the floor corner.  That's the sloppy blue area.  Worked a bit on the books and the floor.  

Through Hopper's Lens

The Winsor, Oil on Panel, 24"x16"

The chair spindles are and will forever be a monster to deal with.  Looking forward to it.  The whites have a long way to go for that right value balance.  Still haven't investigated plants in Hopper's work.  But, I had a great idea today.  Out the window will be a direct nod to Hopper's subject, trees and grass.  Can you see it?

 

Through Hopper's Lens

The Winsor, Oil on Panel, 24"x16"

Decisions about color and books.  I know that Hopper's works are pared down much more than this.  I don't believe he would have included the books. I'm also sure he would never have an anthurium.  

 

Hopper Light

The Winsor

The Copley Society has issued a call for entry into the juried national show, Through Hopper's Lens.  The artwork should be inspired by Edward Hopper. I'm very excited to try for this show.  Hopper has been an inspiration to and for me.  I love his big blocks of color and light.  Years and years ago I painted a block in Fairhaven, MA which reminded me of Hopper's Early Sunday Morning.  At the time I was living in a small apartment and the painting took almost the entire dining room.  

The day the call came out, I saw the spring light streaming in the window across the Winsor chair.  The shadows, the light, the colors all said, "this is your Hopper Lens".  

 

Wood Ducks, Not in a Row

 

Wood Ducks, 2023, Oil on Panel, 12"x24"

I need a bit of distance from this painting to get a better critical eye.  Currently, I feel it is somewhat dull, lacking in light.  I do know I will wash over the reflections once they are dry to make them less prominent.  I'm also uncertain about the background water and sky.  Should they blend one into the other?, should there be more activity in the water?.  The strongest water is between the 3 ducks on the left.  I may replicate that on the right.  Yes, I definitely will.  But for now, a reprieve and something new on the easel.  

Wood Ducks, Decisions with Modifications.

 

Wood Ducks, Oil on Panel, 12"x23"

I decided the composition would be more dynamic with some diagonal movement.  If the central duck (the boss) was just a bit larger with his head higher it could become the golden ratio.