Abandoned Farm


"Abandoned Farm"
oil on canvas
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I took a photo of this farm near Black River Falls, Wisconsin in early April a few years ago. I was attracted by the monotone colors of an overcast day during the dormant season.

I started out with the idea that I would only use large brushes on this painting in hopes of painting nothing but loose brushstrokes. I got so intrigued with the barn and fence that I couldn’t help but paint all the detail.

Tomorrow is going to be a warm day in Wisconsin, almost 38 degrees so I will try my luck at plein air painting and only bring large brushes, Ok maybe one sort of smallish medium brush. By the way, this painting is 5x7. I still haven't figured out how to put the size under my paintings.

10 comments:

  1. Thanks Kurt! Boy are you fast, I just posted this.

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  2. Carol this is 5x7? WOW it reads bigger than that! I love all the details because they are precise yet not overbearing. And how did you manage such lovely edges? Love it!

    To put the size under painting? I simply change the alignment of the text (just for that one line) to "center". Then when I'm ready to type in my content I change my alignment to "left". I hope I'm helpful and didn't confuse you more.

    Looking forward to your plein air piece. Oh man that's warm! Better take your umbrella hahaha!

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  3. Erika - Thanks, I will try adding sizes in my next post.

    As far as edges it's real easy. I use an a Italian painting knife. The longest narrow one with a fine tip works great. Just pick up a small amount of paint on the very edge then touch the canvas with it and you get a fine line. For the fence I used thin acetate cut in different length and did the same thing. I even like the acetate better for trees than the knife because you can bend them.

    I have Richard Schmids Alla Prima book and he discusses edges a lot and the use of painting knives in paintings.

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  4. Thanks Carol I have that book I love Schmid! I haven't had a chance to finish it though, so I must pursue that goal!

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  5. Carol, nice piece. It reminds me of putting on an old familiar pair of comfortable shoes; worn with age but so good on the foot.

    It's hard to let go of the desire to add more detail. Is it our drive to "get it right" ?

    In any case, love the painting.

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  6. Blair - Thanks for checking my blog again. You might have something there about getting it right. Glad you love my painting!

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  7. Another beautiful landscape, the birch tree really makes it too. Great job!

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  8. Oooh. I love that barn painting. Really captures the mood and lighting. I feel like I'm there.

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  9. Great painting! I like the mood of a limited palette piece.

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