How To Paint A Gray Picture, Chapter Two In Which The Artist Makes Himself Happy

February 25, 2020

Last week I posted the underpainting which was bold to the point of being out of control in my opinion. And in case you’re wondering, when it comes to my art, MY opinion is paramount!

Here’s how I resolved the color issues I created: cool payne’s gray over the gold ochre to establish warm / cool tension; warm portland gray over the viridian green for the same reason.

As much as I disliked the broad band of viridian in the underpainting, the glowing remains of that color really activate the bottom of the composition. Hints of pink are all that are left of that broad stroke of hotness! I wanted to draw the eye to the horizon with that visually demanding color

Is it finished? Maybe.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

“Well it’s all right now. I’ve learned my lesson well. You can’t please everyone, so you’ve got to please yourself.” ~ Ricky Nelson

How To Paint A Gray Picture

February 18, 2020

It may seem counterintuitive to begin a gray painting with colors this bright and unharmonious. But that’s how I like to do it. First I stir up some trouble on the canvas and then I try to regain control.

In this underpainting the seriously bad actor is the viridian at the bottom of the canvas. Fortunately the gold ochre acts as a referee, keeping that sick green away the magenta and pink. But further measures are needed to get THAT problem child to toe the line.

This could be interesting!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

“Right now I need a Telecaster through a Vibrolux turned up to 10!” ~ John Hiatt

Two Generations: Rooted in Color

I hope all of you can join us for an artist’s reception at The Myrna Loy Center in Helena, Montana this Friday from 5:30 ’til 7:00!  My artist daughter Sarsten and I are honored with a two person exhibit through the end of February.  Looking at the paintings for the show I was struck by our similar color sensibility.  Even though our subject matter is very dissimilar, and we work in different mediums, there is a common thread.

The bond of color is a strong one!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall