oil on panel, 2013
5" x 7" (12.7cm x 17.78cm)
Here is number 7 of my new Locomotive Series.
Although this originally was a day shot there was something about this dark midnight blue locomotive and the lightning bolt under its number that screamed nocturne.
Because of that I had to add the lightning strike in the background, natures flash bulb. I mean c'mon it's a no-brainer!
The white highlights, very similar to rim lighting, and the lightning itself, electrify the darks of the night. Pun intended.
I added the stickly leafless vegetation overlapping the train to echo the lightning, help counteract the strong horizontal composition and move the eye down through the locomotive from back to front.
As I move through this series I am trying out variations from paint application to compositions, color palettes etc. Here I put a little bit more of a glow behind the cab which moves the focal point out near the left side, a rule you do not usually want to break. It worked out because there is enough interest elsewhere to offset that rule.251
Here is number 7 of my new Locomotive Series.
Although this originally was a day shot there was something about this dark midnight blue locomotive and the lightning bolt under its number that screamed nocturne.
Because of that I had to add the lightning strike in the background, natures flash bulb. I mean c'mon it's a no-brainer!
The white highlights, very similar to rim lighting, and the lightning itself, electrify the darks of the night. Pun intended.
I added the stickly leafless vegetation overlapping the train to echo the lightning, help counteract the strong horizontal composition and move the eye down through the locomotive from back to front.
As I move through this series I am trying out variations from paint application to compositions, color palettes etc. Here I put a little bit more of a glow behind the cab which moves the focal point out near the left side, a rule you do not usually want to break. It worked out because there is enough interest elsewhere to offset that rule.251
Posts
My comment is, "Wow!!"
ReplyDeleteSo off the charts great!
One of your bests!
David! Wild, terrifying, exciting, bold, dramatic, mysterious, energetic, beautiful, even brazen! I love so much about this wonderful painting buddy! There is so much wonderful movement throughout! Especially in the foreground!(I try to make my comments before I read your wonderful script! Post it then read what you wrote!) Great art here David! Bravo Bro!
(Be on the lookout for "Red Sox Jack O'Lantern?")
Your Fall, Halloween, Dark Beautiful Train Scene Loving Art East Coast Buddy!
Miguel Go Sox! Whew!
Thank you Michael,
DeleteI enjoyed making this one, inventing the nocturne and painting the lightening.
I will be on the look out for your Red Sox Jack O' Lantern? Too bad the Dodgers did not make the World Series. We almost had Boston vs LA in hockey and baseball, almost. Can't have one in football since we STILL DON'T have a team!
Oh well, at this rate we will be lucky to have a Boston vs LA tiddlywinks championship!!!!
David I agree with everything Michael said! What an impressive painting!! The nocturnal approach works beautifully and the lightning is very striking! (yes, I couldn't resist the pun!). Your touches of white are very convincing and light up the landscape. You're doing such a great job with your locomotive series. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
DeleteThank you, I appreciate your comment. Striking, HA HA HA, wish I would have thought that up!
I am enjoying the locomotive series. If I wasn't so busy with other projects I would have a few more posted. When I get a lull I post more in succession.
Keep painting...