Tuesday, March 4, 2008

"Quintessential"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

This painting came as a result of my admiration for a fellow artist, Terry Miura. I have this great desire to paint landscapes - but I tend to only appreciate those done in a more impressionistic style. Sharp, realistic versions just don't do it for me. I can be driving along a quiet road, see a composition that stops me in my tracks - but it's the composition, the color - not the fact that it's a road or a barn or a field of wheat. It's more of a snapshot in my brain made up of areas of color, mostly blurred from the distance. That's what I want to paint. I'm not really concerned whether this looks like a typical painting of mine - I really rather enjoy the freedom of the subject and the use of the oils.

I also thought this new piece would be a perfect Q for my alphabet series. Very Quintessential of the countryside outside of Seattle, specifically Duvall.



14 comments:

Tracy Wall said...

You're right; the simple composition in this is wonderful! And your simple brushstrokes do it justice!

Daniel GarcĂ­a said...

Gorgeous!

Jelaine Faunce said...

This is probably one of the best pieces of yours I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot of fine work from your hand, especially the one I own. ;o) This piece is amazing. So fluid and full of life. I understand completely your desire to get the color vs. the subject itself. It really is all about the color, the light, the life of the work. Amazing job, Karin.

Carol H. said...

This is quintessentially Washington - you've hit the atmosphere of this region right on the head! Great work, you just keep getting better and better.

Laura Bolter said...

The painting is lovely! And, you put into words what I've always felt but never really analyzed. I really enjoy your work.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't wait to see your "Q" and you not only did it, but did it beautifully as always. You are the best!!

Unknown said...

Very comfortable.

Anonymous said...

I think painters should have special license plates so we can stop anywhere on the highway we see something to paint. All cars would have to stop until we are finished and out of the middle of the road.

I like this piece. I think most people can relate more to a landscape that has some road in it as most only see nature from the road.

Jeff Mahorney said...

I love the complimentary color roofs. I'd like to second that about Terry Miura. I am also mesmerized by his landscapes.

Barbara Pask said...

This is really nice. You really have the gift that a lot of artists struggle with, the gift to see shapes and colors and not things.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Quintessential, very clever!
This is also Quintessential New England, New York and Nova Scotia from my point of view.
You said it correctly though. As a painter, my eye sees the effect of light ,shape and color that becomes a barn or whatever. It's that first impression you want to capture. It's only secondarily, about the barn.

Sheila Vaughan said...

Fantastic painting Karin. I'd love to see more of your landscapes.

Anonymous said...

Gollygeewiz Karin~ you're making me blush. And despite what you say, this oozes your identity. It is really beautiful!

NJN said...

Love the way you've painted the yellow roof. A beautiful and atmospheric painting. Thanks, Neil N.

www.neil-nelson.blogspot.com