Medium/Support/Size
The Hidden Path of Gems. Acrylic on canvas board. 35 x 27 cm.
My Thoughts About This Challenge
During my visit to Chartres Cathedral at the weekend, I had the idea of a second attempt for this painting challenge (see first attempt): I was so amazed by the stained-glass windows that I wanted to transcribe the effect in a painting. The “Dark Forest Path” became for me a path of gems, sparkling jewels leading to the seashore!
I have chosen these acrylic colors: mainly black color with burnt sienna, carmine red, ultramarine, violet, emerald green and vermillion.
I have decided to underline the geometric shape of the photo like a big comma of light starting from the path up to the sky, which cuts the surface in two masses. And in order to catch the eyes, the sailing boat… looking for the jewels of the hidden path! Can the sailors see them?
Lessons Learned
- I let the unintentional drippings on the left part of the painting, and did some sgraffito on the trees, in order to imitate the opening of lights and to let the trees “breathe”.
- I have tried to give some depth to black surfaces, thanks to glazes.
- At last, I have tried to express my thought (technically speaking) in the spirit of the symbolists of the 19th century. Do you agree with this attempt?
- I like my work because I have dared to release my... impulsivity!
Marion Boddy-Evans, Painting Guide, says:
I think it's fabulous. There's a strong mood to it through the dark tones which are so rich in layered color. For me the drips add to this, and it's worth resisting the temptation to tidy them up when they happen. The sparkles of light feel as if they're bouncing off the path, shimmering and changing as the branches move in the wind.
I'd been intrigued by how the paintings people have done from the photo so far had concentrated on the lights in the photo rather than the darks. I had been wondering whether the photo didn't convey the sense of deep and varied shades within the shadows which I saw when I was in the forest, and the magical light filtering through in places. But this painting of yours does just that. It shows how we shouldn't be afraid of the dark(s)!
