She's caught in a statuesque pose...but the heavy basket of tropical fruits and vegies don't seem to weigh her down. She keeps a poise worthy of an Egyptian queen--just as I'd like her to be...reminiscent of a tropical goddess.

 

The elegance and majesty of ancient Egyptian art is inherent in this image. It contrasts with the rustic nature of this timeless native.

Impressionism is a technique that is known for its freshness and speed of execution in capturing the moment. In contrast to classical painting, impressionist paintings are casual and agitated. And they vibrate with light, color and texture. Although I painted this painting impressionistically with a painting knife, I gave her a static profile which also gives her a classic feel. Both techniques share the impasto technique of painting with heavy texture.

Ancient art didn't have the benefit of advanced principles and techniques of aerial perspective and foreshortening---so it was mostly flat and decorative.

 

I like taking aspects of ancient images and applying the 'magic' of these advanced secret techniques---as if I had such an unfair advantage over the master artisans that created them.

The effect I was shooting is both 'rustic and elegant'. The smooth marble look of the cinema background counterpoints all the heavy impasto texture, and still blends in with her elegance.

I like creating a classic, impressionist vintage style with a twist of Art Deco. I know, I know... that sounds crazy and absurd! All I can say is to go see this native. She's the exotic islander who may find a way to show you what that means.

Using Impasto Painting for "Fresco" Texture

My technique in painting with oils is built up in layers. I first started painting a la prima (direct painting) early on in (grade school). And I developed a fluid technique with oils when I worked as a pictorial artist painting hundreds of album art and billboards. I actually learned to paint with watercolor first, then oils before painting with acrylics so now I use acrylic both ways---like watercolor washes, and like heavy oil paint.

These days, I use acrylics for the lay in. Then I build up the texture with brushes (different shapes and sizes), applying flecks of pigment like a drumstick. And to add character and interest to the illusion, I use a painting knife (or similar tool) to apply thick and buttery oil paint to create a hammered fresco look. This is one of the ways I create impasto paintings. Sometimes very little of the acrylic underpainting shows through after I finish.

This is now a favorite technique among artists when working over giclees (digital prints on canvas) in oil or acrylic. The digital composition is so much more forgiving...and the artwork can be resized to the nth degree.

Craftsmanship is Not Enough

 

It's fun to paint a picture when an idea comes to you. Here, I've gone with the tropical aspect of Art Deco design.

 

More often than not, the initial idea goes through a transformation. As the painting evolves, the composition takes the most out of your creative energy, and it could become more challenging towards the finish when you start running out of things to correct or eliminate!

 

This is why so many artists fall short of creating a great work of art (raise your hands like I am!). There are extremely skillful artists who have perfected their craftsmanship--- but are just too impatient (even lazy)--- with composition. Craftsmanship is not enough though. It's the same way with music, dance ,writing, choreography etc.

 

 

Tags:   goddess art    tropical paintings    impressionist    oil painting techniques    impasto