mustard
I don't know. I was in a certain mood at the time and I simply needed to show the entire word: "mustard." Besides, if I had painted it as I saw it, I would have to rename the painting, "musta," wouldn't I?
At any rate, though I couldn't bring myself to share the painting for several months, I also couldn't bring myself to paint over it. So it remains. Mustard.
bulldog painting process
This is a commission I painted a few months ago. I took photos along the way and thought I'd share a bit of my painting process for you here.
First off, the reference photo. Here's the photo I was working with. Ideally, the photo should encapsulate the basic layout of the painting itself. Photography after all is an artistic pursuit in its own right. This photo was taken in landscape but I want a portrait-oriented canvas---not so bad as this was the only major change I needed to make.
I usually don't make a drawing before starting in with the paint. Here my main goal is to cover the canvas with paint---I am trying to capture the placement of the subject but only roughly [and knowing I will be changing and perfecting anything I paint at this stage].
Once the shapes are roughed out and the canvas is covered with paint, I start the process of reshaping the form into something more akin to the photo. The client wanted a nondescript background with vibrant reds and yellows, so I laid it on thick, adding dramatic lighting by suggesting shadows on the ground [notice, there are actually little if any indications of a light source on the dog's body itself---if I wanted a more realistic representation, I would definitely address this issue perhaps by retaking reference photos with a light source coming from the left].
I usually do not like to leave dead spots in my paintings---places where there is a single unvaried color---notice how the white of the chest and the tan of the back are both mottled with gray, indicating fur and making those areas more interesting. And of course, the background is a mishmash of undulating color.
I am pleased with the final painting, though it took a bit of time toward the final stages getting the details right. I focus most of my attention in the later stages on the face, since this is the focal point of the painting and the focal point is where most of the details should reside. Other important parts of the painting---the carefully attenuated feet and the dramatic shadows beneath those feet---make the entire surface of the painting important to the viewer. The eye moves from the focal point to the interesting background, to the feet and shadows, then return to the features of the face.
creole tomato
Finished painting, photographing, and posting this one with 36 minutes left in the day---close one (I did say I'd try and post something every day, didn't I). We spent the day at the zoo today, the wife, the kid and I. We had a blast.
welcome to the new website
It's not much different---it might even seem less impressive---but this new site will allow for much needed features including better handling of mobile devices and (eventually) a place to purchase paintings and prints, among other improvements. The old content is mostly still available, though many of the links may have become mangled in the process of moving.
In conjunction with this new site, I intend to start posting something here everyday. This will not necessarily be a painting a day but will include sketches and photos and hopefully more content beyond just the newest painting. Perhaps a few videos from time to time.
Don't worry, one of the first things I'll be adding back is a new gallery. I just wanted to get the site up and running first.
All that being said, thanks for stopping by and don't be a stranger!
Slow day today
I've been working on a couple of commissions---both of them nearly finished---so I haven't had time to post new paintings every day like I had hoped. Figured I'd post a note today telling you this in case you were worried. I see now that you had every confidence in me and were simply waiting patiently by, perhaps in anticipation of whatever new works of art would soon appear in this space. This might happen as soon as tomorrow---maybe tonight; I do have a landscape sitting here nearly complete . . .
More soon. Thanks.
wess foreman, artist
step by step
Step by Step, 14x11", $100I've done this image before. This time it's painted with more zing!
meritime abstract
Meritime Abstract, framed, 11.5x11.5", $120When I paint, I have a length of canvas covering my work area and I use this to wipe excess paint and water off my brushes. I get some interesting color combinations from time to time, and every now and then I turn them into paintings. This "meritime abstract" came about in just this way. I basically did nothing to it except kept myself from painting over the spontaneous seascape that occurred, then cropped it to fit a Goodwill frame I ran across recently. It is framed under glass.
old shed
Old Shed, 22x28", $300This is a refresh of a painting I did not too long ago. Added more of the "color stippling" (which isn't technically stippling, but as far as I know doesn't have a name . . . other than polka-dots, but that doesn't exactly apply). Anyway, I like the painting better now.
Atchafalaya #2
Atchafalaya #2, 24x30", N/A This one was commissioned by someone this week. It is a larger version of the 8x10" painting I did years ago. I like the way it turned out and I'm so glad someone got me to paint this one again. (could be more like it in the future)
ink sketch
Just a quick sketch with my new travel pen/brush hybrid. As you can probably tell by this sketch, the pen/brush doesn't "do" details. It has a fairly thick point. That said, it's fun to use. Here it is on amazon, if you're interested: link.
spring mosaic, a second look
I've begun adding paragraphs of text to a few of my paintings as part of the title/size/price tag. This will serve as explanation, backstory, insight, or information on the painting process which I think viewers would appreciate as they assess these paintings. I thought I'd start adding them here as well, so without further delay:
Spring Mosaic, 48x54", $1200
I've begun adding paragraphs of text to a few of my paintings as part of the title/size/price tag. This will serve as explanation, backstory, insight, or information on the painting process which I think viewers would appreciate as they assess these paintings. I thought I'd start adding them here as well, so without further delay:
Spring Mosaic, 48x54", $1200
Spring Mosaic, 48x54", $1200
I don't get to show this painting everywhere I go because of its size but it is one of my favorites. It is a great example of what most of my paintings aspire to attain: that careful balance of bright color which, when successful, creates a pleasing rhythm for the eyes to revel in. This painting began as an exercise in abstracting the wild flowers which were blooming at the back edge of my property. From there, it took on a life of its own. The final piece leaves me with feelings of happiness and joy. I get lost in the mosaic of colors.
five, in progress
Here's a snapshot of five little paintings in progress (bottom-left two are finished I think). My well-used worktable as background. Just thought I'd share.
p.s. If you're in the area, join me tomorrow at the Covington Art Market---Saturday, Dec. 1st from 9am to 1pm at the trailhead.
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