Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Washington Lumber Mill

















From the flat files

Decided to post this while I work on paintings from
Maine. 15 x 20 watercolor on Arches cold press paper.

12 comments:

David Westerfield said...

Very nice Doug. Looking forward to seeing the Maine work.

Still hoping to get back to Michigan myself before the temp drops too much.

Liz said...

Beautiful work!

Deb Kirkeeide said...

Wow, Doug. This has amazing control and detail. I don't think any of my watercolors were ever like that.

Really nice.
How do you like your approach now vs. this older piece? (Umm... I guess I'm just assuming it's an older piece?)

Double "D" said...

David, thanks for coming by. If your planning to visit Michigan again, better make it soon. We've gone from summer to a very cold wet fall. I do hope we still get an indian summer before all turns white.

Double "D" said...

Hi Liz, nice to hear from you again. Thanks for your kind words.

Double "D" said...

Hi Deb,

I think I will always be torn between this controlled style to the more impressionistic style. I've added several paintings to the burn pile this week, so maybe that's a clue as to where I should go.

Yes this is an older piece done in 2005. That was the first year in my life where I actually had time to paint.
Maybe I should stop trying to be clever and go back to what I feel comfortable with. I think that this will be a continuous trip through the rest of my life.

loriann signori said...

Doug, This of course is a beautiful painting. It shows your very, strong technical skills, and your knowledge about how to design a pleasing composition. Hearing you speak about your attraction to loose impressionist work I think about how funny it is that we as painters are attracted to work that can be the "seeming" opposite of what we do. My theory is even though you won't be impressionistic you seek something from it. (I confess I am the same way, except leaning in the other direction.) Be true to your nature. It's good to struggle through this as you are sure to see movement to a new exciting direction.
Can't wait to see a new Maine painting! Your Painting Buddette

Double "D" said...

Hi Loriann, You are so amazing. Your words state it so clearly, my mind was jolted when I read it. I'm am somewhat relieved when I think about it in those terms. It's so true, I'm drawn to big free flowing watercolors with little perceived detail but clearly state an image or thought. It clears up the struggle I have when I attempt that free flowing style. Wow, I want to thank you for your insight. It makes my heart beat a little faster and creates excitement in my my mind.

Thank you Loriann, this is really special.
Your painting Buddy

Deb Kirkeeide said...

It's an ever evolving process I think. To keep pushing, growing. The excitement might be gone if we were to always stay in our comfort zone.
Loriann is right, we need to be true to our nature. I think the things we are drawn to are the reflections of who we are at our essence. I also sometimes think we paint the opposite way because we think we have to paint for someone else's expectations not our own. Maybe a habit of being in advertising huh? Always creating someone else's vision? At least that's how I feel at this point - kind of feeling tired of that. Time for me to move on out of the biz? I'm beginning to think so!

Double "D" said...

I can't tell you how much it means to me to have your support and inspiration. I always thought I had a lot of insight, but you and Loriann are amazing. I'm just so pleased I've met someone like you here on the blogs. Just amazing.

Thanks so much Deb,

Doug

TheChieftess said...

Beautiful work...it's so interesting to read about the struggle and angst behind the works...the end products speak to me of a very accomplished artist stretching himself with lot's of wonderful results, and yes, I'm sure, there's a few duds to be burned...but hey! That's just part of growth!!!

I love your work DD...you have a wonderful sense of color and fluidity in your more impressionistic work...which is what I'm most familiar with...and WOW!!! The more controlled earlier piece is wonderful too!!!

Whatever direction you take...just keep painting!!! You're delightful!!!

Double "D" said...

Chieftess,
How wonderful you are! It's comments like this that keep me moving forward and anxious to try something new. You're very special and oh so thoughtful.

Is it time for cocktails yet?
Take care my friend.