Original Image Size: 40" x 32"
by Phill Finley
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| LEFT PANEL CENTER PANEL RIGHT PANEL |
Print Sizes:
(framed without mat)
Full Size:
Left Panel: 10" x 32"
Center Panel: 20" x 32"
Right Panel: 10" x 32"
Open Edition
Left Panel: 5" x 16"
Center Panel: 10" x 16"
Right Panel: 5" x 16"
Small
(with 8" x 10" mat)
Image Size: 7" x 5"
Print Size: 7-1/2" x 5-1/2"
DELTA HARVEST
We were enjoying an afternoon in the Cosumnes Preserve when I noticed the reflection of reeds on the water as it was being gently rippled by a soft wind. At first, I just planned to paint the reeds and their reflections. But, that ended up making the mood of the scene too stark and simple. So, I took what I think of as a collaborative approach by sitting back on the sofa with the painting propped up, a glass of wine, and letting the painting take on a life of its own to develop as it will. Sometimes the ideas are simple and come readily, sometimes they take more collaboration. This one was simple, as egrets are common on the delta, it seemed like a pleasant addition to create depth and add life to the scene. I then added the foxtails with the idea of framing the prints in three panels. In turn, the night scene evolved from simply being a background to also defining a sense of time.
To develop the night scene, areas were built-up with layers of ink to achieve just the right contrasts and lighting effects. All along I’d been trying to give the painting a hint of a graphic quality, with emphasis on contrasts, and still maintain some sense of photo-realism. While I always go through periods of liking, being unsure, and not liking each painting I have found that by keeping at it and working out ideas, I can reach a point where it comes together. There is that certain feeling I’ve learned to look for, and until it feels just right, it’s just not done.