by Carol on 8/26/2009 2:03:36 PM
Reference photo of Stony Pass, CO
Can an artist's life hang on the edge? Yes, literally and figuratively. A couple of weekends ago, my husband and I experienced our first 4x4 trail drive over the continental divide at Stony Pass, CO. We had never been on a 4-wheel drive, except on a Pink Tour in Sedona. With me at the wheel, we drove over rocks & streams, and sustained curves, steep hills, cliff hangers and narrow passages that I did not think possible. (I now have a new appreciation for my Hyundai Tuscon because I did not know her cabilities prior to this drive.) Frightened? You betcha!
Meanwhile, between moments of courage and terror, we experienced sites to behold. As it got later in the day (It took over 3 hours to drive 16 miles.), and we got closer to the peak of Stony Pass (about 12,300ft), the mountain vistas were stellar, the lighting extraordinary. Only a professional photographer could have truly captured the scenes accurately. The contrast of feeling like I was in heaven one moment and then hoping to survive the next was invigorating to say the least.
Sometimes nature presents a landscape so spectacular I wonder if I have the "right" to attempt to interpret it on canvas. How could I, a mere painter, express such beauty? Over the years, I have come to grips with the fact that Mother Nature will always have the upper hand and that my job is to create an interpretation and to express my feelings about my experience. If successful, I then share my vision with you, the viewer.
The photograph here is of one the many scenes we saw while driving Stony Pass. It is one of several reference photos I have. I thought it would be interesting for you to see what I am starting with as I begin my painting, though it is important to note that I have had the advantage of actually soaking in this sight in person and having all of my senses awakened by it.
When you look at this photograph, what might you change compositionally for a painting? Some other questions I must answer before I begin: Why do I want to paint this scene? What do I want to say about it? What is my vision? Where do I want you to look when you come upon the final painting? What will my color palette be? What size of canvas do I use? My next blog post will show and explain to you some of my answers.
....to be continued.
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