Thursday, September 25, 2008

Crow Man IV: Developing an Idea

I've had this idea for awhile of Crow Man on trial with crows as the judge and jury. This is the first Crow Man painting set in the interior. I started with a sketch, but I had a hard time envisioning a painting from the sketch. I also wanted to be able to do a "hands on" design. I went back to my elementary teacher comfort zone of scissors and construction paper.

 
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Using this method, I was able to arrange the main features in several ways.

 
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I liked the third set-up best, finding it most dynamic and placing the Crow Man in a position of being scrutinized by both judge and jury.

Next step was beginning the painting...

 
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then grounding Crow Man by putting color in the foreground...

 
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and I enjoyed playing around with variations on the theme of squares. Notice that the pattern of squares becomes very chaotic near Crow Man.

 
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I'm never sure when I'm first finished with a peice if it will need further work. I have placed two symbols in the hands of Crow Man that make sense to me. Do they resonate with you? Is a verdict forthcoming?

 
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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am always so amazed at all you put into your pictures. The first time was when you were willing to cut out all those plumerias to fiddle with to come up with just the right pattern in my rug. I'd be exhausted with the whole thing by the time I had all the birds cut out. No kidding. I think the peanuts vs the book of rules is very effective. And the way he is standing makes the perfect fulcrum. I wish for him that the peanuts weighed more, but I have a feeling that he will be found guilty because the rules weigh more. Love the way you did the background. Wonderful patterns. Love the effect of the patterns becoming chaotic around Crow Man. I'm impressed. You've really worked hard on this. And as usual your colors are so clear and bright and really stand out.
Petie

Anonymous said...

Hi Margaret,
I do read the symbols well, and the whole thing has a very surreal (which is what I think you want) feeling. Well done! I enjoy your patterns and the color balance is good. I think maybe there is a bit too much contrast in the woodwork on the benches. I love the geometric patterns, but my eye is drawn away from crow man. Just my 2 cents :)
Happy painting,
Ruth

Anonymous said...

This is really fun -- to see the evolution of your idea and how you compose. I like the finished piece (if it's finished). If there's a verdict, it won't matter to Crow Man -- he's not going to succumb to pressure, is he?

Janice

Unknown said...

It has been a while since I tuned in to the blog....life being what it is. I love the bridge!!!! Great to catch up with Crow Man's evolution, too. The literature teacher in me wants the story, and I'd love to know if you have a secret narrative about him going through your mind as painting ideas come to you
Love from Dakar
Wayne