Morning Break - first posting
 

I am a newbie here very nervous, very excited to share and learn and hear from many of you. I was going to post a self portrait, but I need better lighting to photograph. Perhaps tomorow.

This is my first figurative I've ever painted and my first posting. (other than in "new members") Here is a recent painting of my daughter taking a break from her violin practice. I liked the way the sun filled the room and the way it made her face just glow. It is very telling of her personality. I posed her in several positions, but when she naturally took a look through the window, I caught the pose I wanted. The painting is 22" x28" oil on canvas. I hope you enjoy.

Welcome Peter!

That's a nice reflective moment you inspirationally captured. Sometimes as hard as we force an idea for a composition, it just comes naturally on its own, as it did for you, in an easy, unassuming way. I like it when these things just happen!

I love the mighty Victrola. It sets the mood tone and aura as much as anything else (maybe to me because I am so fond of the 1914 table-top variety I have). That resonates for me, literally. I bet you have needles!

Your whole painting is lovely; sorry about my digression!

I hope you enjoy this Forum and introduce more of your portraits and paintings.

Garth

Hi Peter,

My favorite part of this is the way the victrola crank, the arm, and the violin neck all gesture together. I also love the light, the way all the elements are arranged (perhaps because they really are there) in the composition, and the quiet feeling. I can just feel the music having stopped and about to start again in a few minutes, but for now...peace and quiet. And it is painted beautifully. I'm so pleased you joined this forum.

Alex

Garth,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your work is wonderful. I have learned a lot from you in the 2 months I have been reading the postings on this forum. And none of it has to do with art. Your humility and friendly conversation has been as motivating as the work you share.

Oh, and yes I do have a few needles. THe Victrola is actually a table top model that slips into the cabinet.

Alex,

Thank you so much. You have such a beautiful way of writing about the feelings you get from people's art. I visited your website tonight, what beautiful work. I especially like the way you incorporate backgrounds into your portraits. It makes a much better story. and you so it very well. My favorite is your "Edna A." To me, your work has the flavor of Degas.

Hi Peter,
I liked everything about it. I specially liked the composition and the music stuff on the background.
Good job!

Incorporating backgrounds
 

Hmmm. . .I would say YOU incorporate backgrounds pretty well yourself. It all comes from thinking of the figure as surrounded by space rather than a figure with something behind it. That's what I like about the two paintings of yours I've seen so far.

Peter, welcome to the Forum! What a lovely debut here. I love the movement in this painting, all the curving shapes of the background, and how they play against the calm of her expectant face.

Claudemir,
Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed the painting. I have noticed in my 2 months of reading these threads, that you are always there to encourage and give advice to the many peole who post. And you are one of the first to welcome and give instruction. Let me just extend a warm thank you. You add such a wonderful note to this forum.

Alex,
You are doing it again. Beautifully expressed. "It all comes from thinking of the figure as surrounded by space rather than a figure with something behind it".

It just occured to me how much I can learn by trying to express what it is I like or don't like about a painting in words. This may sound like a "duh" moment. But I think by suffering a lack of confidence it makes me rely more on intuition and feeling my way through painting rather than using the value of planning.

I hope that made sense. Anyway, thank you again.