Tuesday, January 5, 2010

"Scarfed Down"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

Recently, I've used my iPhone for inspiration - very much a tool for exercise or what I would call warm-ups. I observe from webcams all over the world, and when my brain sees interesting patterns or colors, I freeze frame the moment and paint. Most are landscapes, a lot turn out to be very abstract in a sense - much like this one. Once I've passed the point of not needing a reference, I play with the color until I'm happy.

This painting pleased me - very much a glimpse, a split second somewhere else far away - on a busy street corner in downtown Manhattan a few days before Christmas day.




9 comments:

Rick Nilson said...

I like working from very bad photos sometimes for the same reason maybe. Love your work.

Shelley Ross said...

Cool idea. I love how differently we, as artists, can interact with the world now. Here, here to the first post by Joshua. Using your iPhone this way kind of reminds me of Bill Guffey' interesting challenges at Virtual Paintout based on Google Street view. (I'm not a hired agent of Guffey!)

Autumn Leaves said...

I really like this one, Karin. It reminds me of commuting to downtown Chicago for work and coming into the old Union Station on the Metra trains. I like your idea for finding interesting glimpses to paint!

Lisa Daria said...

When you've 'passed the point' of needing the photo reference how far along would you say the painting is? 75% on it's way? 95% done? Maybe much less? Maybe it varies on the photo and/or painting? It's beautiful, by the way.

Brigittemarie said...

I love the orange and blue-gray tones... You made a random moment interesting and beautiful--very inspiring!

Escapist said...

Very beautiful concept on paper with such blend of colors...


Jolliiieesss:)

Justin Nordine said...

What a fantastic Idea Karen. I love the concept of capturing a moment from a far...in some cases, very far. Great idea and a great way to do a quick painting that focuses on color and application. Beautifully done!

A Painter's Journal said...

Here's another one for my "why didn't I do that" file. argh! I've looked at this same webcam probably. AND cruised NY streets via Google, but haven't painted from them. Great use of technology... and really nice loose painting.

Róisín O'Farrell said...

Wow. I have just dicovered using my iPhone too! The lack of quality stops me getting too discriptive. Love the idea of using the webcams tho. Love the work.