Friday, December 30, 2011

Vincent Thomas Bridge #11-Containment 2























"Vincent Thomas Bridge #11 (Containment 2)"
oil on panel, 2011
8” x 6” (20.32cm x 15.24cm)

This painting overlaps two series
Bridge Series:
Bridges carry a certain civic pride much like state and country pride. Their primary function may be utilitarian but for locals they are a source of identity.
Containment Series:
A series on modern construction techniques. Today everything gets wrapped in heavy plastic or tarps to contain the work, a sort of cocoon, keeping dust from contaminating the surrounding environment.
Twenty or thirty years ago it was not done and open construction was more prevalent. Modern green thinking has changed our approach to not only recycling but how we do everything.

This view is of the outer perimeter of the containment area standing against the plastic sheet wall, looking at the bottom of the roadway.

My other painting,  "Vincent Thomas Bridge #8 (Containment 1)", is nearer the center so it shows the darker core of the containment area, with the light filtering in from both sides. This one, at the outer confines, is higher key in value , so it's brighter, and has more pops of color in the purple rope, touches of yellow and the warm toned concrete.

The red in both is the primer used before the iridescent green finish.
It is obvious from the red floor how much over spray would be lost into the environment if the work was not contained. I'm sure it serves the dual purpose of making the work easier and the work area more comfortable by defecting winds.161

See another similar view without containment here.

*Update
Thanks to a comment from a follower it occurred to me that this view mat not be obvious or understood. Having been there I did not even think about it. I can see the point. Here is a better explanation from my response comment: This painting shows the area inside the containment, think of it as a butterfly cocoon hanging off a tree branch, and is literally hanging off the bottom of the bridge, underneath the road way. Set up to paint the bridge as part of its maintenance.

Click on image for larger view

6 comments:

  1. such a strong composition and so beautifully done!

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  2. Thank you Suzanne,
    It was fascinating to see the bridge from this perspective, had to put it to paint.
    Keep painting ...

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  3. It`s rysky to paint pictures as strong.Many people don´t understand this painting. It´s difficult to sell these pictures. You have much value.

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  4. Wow!
    Love the daring red against the vibrant green! The relevant, emotional subject matter, the very balanced, design conscience composition, and the striking colors all make for a very successful work of art!
    Love your paintings David1 Keep on keeping on!
    Michael

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  5. Thank you for you observation Ricardo,
    And you are right, many people don't understand the view (this painting). As an artist I do sometimes look for the unusual whether it will sell or not, a calculated risk, yes. For me if it fits the industrial image it's okay, I have to paint it. If it does not sell I don't mind.
    I have done others this same way only to be surprised when someone wanted to buy it, so you never know.

    This painting shows the area inside the containment, think of it as a butterfly cocoon hanging off a tree branch, and is literally hanging off the bottom of the bridge, underneath the road way. Set up to paint the bridge as part of its maintenance.

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  6. Thank you for your comment Michael,
    It was exciting to be able to walk through this work area only 10 feet (3.048 meters) below the traffic driving over the bridge. I had to paint a couple images to show what most people never see. The whole platform shakes when the bigger trucks pass overhead!

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