For me, the change in how I see a subject is at the forefront right now. This subject would have given me a lot more trouble if I had been seeing a statue in a leafy garden. There's an intentional shift that must take place in our brain that allows us to see a subject as shapes, values, color and edges. Without the shift, we're left to render "things". When we're in our thing-seeing mode beauty and simplicity seem to evade us. Although there are plenty of beautiful "things" to see around us, for me, the fun of painting seems to evaporate whenever painting "things" is my motive.
Thing-seeing is the usual mode of perception, and it needs to be! We have to drive safely, identify signage, and recognize our friends, etc. There is a real demand and usefulness for seeing "things", but not when we paint. Then, it's time to see with "softened" vision. Recognize patterns, how one shape may blend into another. Compare values and subtle color relationships. This kind of seeing brings a personal sense of beauty and order that moves us to paint. It takes an intentional shift in perception.
GARDEN CHERUB
©Jimmy Longacre 2014
12x9 oil on canvas panel
Jimmy Longacre
subjective realist landscape paintings
GALLERY LINKS
Mustang Island Art Gallery Port Aransas TX
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