Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Encina Power Station at Dusk 1 & 2

"Encina Power Station-Dusk 2"

"Encina Power Station-Dusk 1"
"Encina Power Station - Dusk 1"    SOLD
oil on panel, 2011
6 5⁄8” x 10” (16.83cm x 25.40cm)

“Encina Power Station - Dusk 2”  
oil on panel, 2011
7” x 5” (17.78cm x 12.7cm)

You won't see this palette from me very often. I have an aversion to pinks and most purples. However it was unavoidable here to accurately depict the time of day.
In "Dusk 1" I pushed the pink/purple as far as I could towards a slightly dirty earthy color, by adding burnt sienna, so it was not Easter lavender (yuck!).
In "Dusk 2", which I prefer over the two, zooming in allowed me to loose the pink altogether and again the purple is earthier, more like a dusty desert chaparral color. I then substituted an orange for pink at the horizon. The black helps to kill the 'pastel' palette too.

These are from my series on power plants.
Two elements of our coastal landscapes and a common motif in my work. The mix of industry and nature. Not beautiful to some but in scenes like these I see themes that go beyond the mere industrial or nature images alone. Themes in the tradition of Homer and Hopper.

Man and nature side by side. Industry has to be placed somewhere so it’s impossible to ignore. Since we like to live in beautiful areas we end up with power stations becoming part of the landscape.


Dusk 1 - This one shown in a panoramic view encompassing the lagoon with the station at it’s center.

Dusk 2 - Set in a palette of soft muted colors but contrasted with black. A calm lagoon and clear sky, it’s all there... maybe even therapeutic.148,149

See the nocturne version of Encina Power Station here.

Click on images for larger view

8 comments:

  1. great perspective David and personally i do like those pinks and purples, you've done them justice in this composition!

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  2. Thanks Rahina,
    That aversion I'll never lose... but every so often I do feel the need to work outside of my usual means... in this case regarding color.
    Other times medium or technique or subject etc.
    Always good to do.

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    3. David,

      Your art is amazing. I can only imagine the beautiful textures in person. I've always been a fan of seascapes and Winslow Homer is a favorite so I was drawn in pretty quick.

      Now in combination to all of this, I am working right now to save the smokestack you painted! The city voted to tear it down and a group of people want to preserve it as a historical landmark. One of the things a couple of us are adamant about doing is turning the stack into a canvas for artistic expression. I am gathering examples from around the world. These transformations have been done relatively frequently: from lighting installations, to full scale murals, to temporary sites for a variety of installation art. I am building an argument aimed to preserve the city icon for these purposes. I am in the process of making a website right now and was wondering if I could use your piece within the site? I would of course attribute you, provide a link at the location of your work and any other information you would request. I would love to have others see the beauty of your work, and perhaps open their eyes to a new perspective.

      If you would be willing, let me know. I wouldn't suggest you argue one way or another only provide your work as an example.

      Either way I was fortunate to find you blog, you have some amazing pieces!

      Note: I should proofread first.

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    4. There's still mistakes...I'll live with it now. I do really appreciate it!

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  3. You are an amazing artist. These paintings are incredable.

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    1. Thank you Edward,
      I appreciate you kind words and taking the time to visit my blog.

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