Nape

Clive Fullagar · 12-20-2005, 10:56 PM

This is another in the "Visual Haiku" series. It is oil on paper and measures 11x15".

Marcus Lim · 12-20-2005, 11:06 PM

Hi Clive, i like the mystery and pensiveness i perceived from this painting. Not to mention the use of bright colors creates that conflict with this perception, and i like that sort of feeling.

The left (our left) arm, however would be better if were less sharpened as it flows towards the left side of the painting - while the shoulders remain sharp as it is. I think that will heighten the effect.

Garth Herrick · 12-20-2005, 11:30 PM

Hi Clive,

This is an interesting haiku; I try to imagine a verbal haiku verse for each of your paintings in this series, which they seem to spontaneously inspire. I like the abstraction, and how you take your paintings to a heightened individual aesthetic plane, that is a clear departure from the general range of images posted here. I appreciate that too. I like what Marcus has to say. If you have any written haiku verse in mind, it would be interesting to share and read, yet the painting alone conveys the visual equivalence.

Garth

Clive Fullagar · 12-20-2005, 11:49 PM

Marcus,

What a terrific suggestion. Fortunately the paint was still wet so I could easily do as you suggested. I think that what this achieves is to bring the the ear and nape (the focal points of the picture) literally more into focus. I rephotographed in a more white light, so the colors now are a bit more accurate. Thanks for the suggestion.

Terri Ficenec · 12-20-2005, 11:57 PM

Hi Clive!
I really like this series you've got going! Contemplative and thought inspiring. Can't wait to see your next one!

Garth Herrick · 12-20-2005, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clive Fullagar

Marcus,

What a terrific suggestion. Fortunately the paint was still wet so I could easily do as you suggested. I think that what this achieves is to bring the the ear and nape (the focal points of the picture) literally more into focus. I rephotographed in a more white light, so the colors now are a bit more accurate. Thanks for the suggestion.

That works! I see you softened the edge of the far shoulder too.

Garth

Clive Fullagar · 12-21-2005, 12:11 AM

Terri,

I am working as fast as I can on this series, as well as some other paintings that I will post.

Garth, I think somewhere in the definition of "haiku" is the notion of conveying a "unified sensory impression." I think what I am trying to achieve in this series is a focus on figurative minutiae, small parts of the figure that often go unnoticed or are overlooked but which become points of exquisite adoration, especially in those whom we love. I think that another important element in this series is mood, capturing a very intimate moment or sensory impression in a very simple image.

Alexandra Tyng · 12-21-2005, 09:47 AM

Another beautiful one, Clive. These haikus really do make you focus in on a part of the body, and they evoke an emotional response. I think you've done this very successfully. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Tom Edgerton · 12-23-2005, 06:08 PM

Clive--

Haven't weighed in on this series but I've enjoyed each one immensely. It's one of the most original approaches to subject matter and concept that I've seen in quite a while.

Wish I'd thought of it!

Best--TE