Breaking Through
Oil 18" x 24"
artist Lisa Larrabee
I created this painting in an attempt to capture the brilliant but fleeting moment when light breaks through the clouds after a rainstorm.
I created this painting in an attempt to capture the brilliant but fleeting moment when light breaks through the clouds after a rainstorm.
I generally like to begin on a warm toned background. It allows for additional depth and richness in the colors layered over the top. I blocked in the main shapes loosely to get the composition set.
One aspect of this image that I liked was the two light areas. They each had their own character and color temperature. I wanted to make sure that the top right added interest without competing.
At this point, the light in the upper right felt too flat. I was also having some difficulty finding the right colors for where the sun breaks through. I needed to lay down some of the neutral mid-values to build my highlights on. However, the warm under-painting made these colors look exceptionally dull. I trusted what I saw and continued with them. Although I liked the orange, I wanted to capture the subtlety of what was there.
When I was nearly through, I felt the painting was thin and lacking something. I took a chance and repainted over the whole piece. I used the opportunity to experiment with Winsor & Newton Liquin Impasto. I love how it allowed me to create translucent color while maintaining painterly brushstrokes. I started to get a feel for what this medium could (and couldn't) do for me, and I have continued using it on my current piece. It is yet another reminder to never be afraid to experiment when painting!
~ Lisa
