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Deeper Still

It is Cyber Monday, I am writing my blog.  On the TV in my studio I have a Youtube video that is showing  over 1500 works by Monet.  As an Impressionist I find it fascinating.  The video not only shows his work but it shows the series paintings grouped together.  You see all the Cathedral paintings one after another and you see the mind of Monet at work.  All the slight variations of light, color and atmosphere.  The very essence of Impressionism.   It is mind blowing to see each painting in its sequence but even more amazing is to see how each version is drawn to perfection only the colors, mood and atmosphere change,  The skills and genius of Monet is incredible.  

My Task

My painting style is Impressionism.  The marks I make, the colors I deploy all try to echo the techniques that Monet started.  In my experiment with House Paint however I ran into some unexpected problems.  House paint upon application is designed NOT to leave brush marks.  Try as I may my Impressionist techniques do not match the medium.   No matter how many layers I apply the paint always flattens out.   In todays painting I tried to deploy my paint and brushwork in a way that mimics Impressionistic techniques.   I was able to attain some essence of Impressionism optically but the texture is not there.  The physical brush marks are not there. 

Leaving my Mark

While I do believe I achieved a sense of Impressionism optically.  My paint surface does not.  Years ago I was excessive in my application of paint.  Sometimes I liked it most times I didn't.   I found a happy medium and learned the where and when to apply that magical brush stroke.  With a new medium comes new challenges. 

Lessons Learned.

Over the next few weeks I will reveal the steps of my journey and how It has changed my output.   The painting below was inspired by Monet's painting of Turkeys.  I saw this scene driving home from my daughter's house one afternoon.   This was a very effective lesson. 

Next week:  Solutions