While organising last week’s In the style of… post, I stumbled upon this crop of the Akaroa Harbour photograph ― and now it’s the subject of today’s painting.
I do like happy accidents : )
Shoot it, Sketch it: Reflection
photography
In the style of… Louis Rhead
I had something specific in mind when I started painting the Akaroa Harbour beachfront photo… and this painting isn’t it. Initially I was going to create a highly stylised image using simple shapes and patterns and fairly flat colours ― but sometimes I just can’t help myself… the temptation to layer colours and add texture is just too great. With Louis Rhead’s turn-of-the-century posters in mind (see below), I exaggerated the shape of the trees and the curve of the shoreline. He has also influenced the overall composition, my choice of colours and the romantic styling of the women in the foreground (although mine look more medieval than Art Nouveau).
I may have another go at painting this scene for next week’s Shoot it, Sketch it…
Louis Rhead
English-born artist Louis Rhead (1857-1926) made a career out of poster design and book illustration in the USA. I love the Art Nouveau influence in these posters dated 1896-1900. The sweeping curves and stylised trees are beautiful. The colours are fantastic too.
In the style of… appears occasionally instead of my regular Shoot it, Sketch it posts. Using my own photographs as a starting point, I’m drawing inspiration from some of the world’s greatest illustrators. It’s not about slavishly copying someone else’s art; it’s an experiment in seeing things differently.
Shoot it, Sketch it: Stand in the place where you live
We encountered these exotic giants on our way to Hamurana Springs. The redwood grove was planted in 1919 and so the tallest tree is only 55 metres high ― they can grow up to 100 metres! Still a pretty good effort though. The painting was made using a ‘wet on dry’ technique: soft pastels were dipped in water and applied to card giving a kind of impasto effect.
An old-fashioned panorama
New Zealand’s largest lake: nine photos side by side; nine distinct moments in time; one grand view.
Shoot it, Sketch it: Flow (WIP)
This week’s Shoot it, Sketch it painting is an abstract inspired by the reflections in the crystal clear waters of Hamurana Springs. If you’re ever anywhere near Lake Rotorua in New Zealand, this magical spot is nearby and well worth a visit. It’s the largest headspring in the North Island and is an impressive 15 metres deep (15 metres!). If you want to know more, click on this Envirohistory NZ link.
The painting is still a work in progress. I hope to have it finished next week…
Chasing the moon
Caught in the branches of our plum tree tonight — one supermoon!
Anna Cull ~ Art & Music 