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| First Sketch ~ The Party from a personal photograph |
Many years ago I saw the above image in real life when I was taking pictures (with permission) at a birthday party I attended. The majority, being elderly, added a somber vibe to the gathering. There aren't that many 80th birthdays to attend in life. I imagine there was a lot of reflection going on about our own longevity. I was near my sixties at the time. It feels like hundred years ago. All the party goers in the sketch are now deceased.
Uploading the images, that one particular photo (above) reminds me of Cezanne's, The Card Players (below). To my surprise, after putting watercolor to the sketch, I see my colors are similar to Cezanne's painting. The memory holds well in my artist's brain.
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| The Card Players 1890 ~ 1892 Oil on canvas Paul Cezanne 1839 ~ 1906 |
What is it that captures my heart in Cezanne's painting is how he puts to canvas the concentration composure of the men playing cards. Deep in thought they are. At the birthday party, those folks are deep in thought as well. It intrigues me that the card game is similar to living to a ripe old age. How we win at a game or life, chances are chances. The cake is consumed. The cards are dealt.
Eventually I will do an acrylic painting from my photograph. I imagine it will be large as there is more off frame that I might add, if it supports the concentration focus.
If I remember right, then I've done pencil sketches from other pictures of the room. I chose the small section of that table because it best represents what I feel from Cezanne's painting. I don't experience that many connections with my image choices reminding me of an old master's artwork. What will my painting be isn't the highlight. Feeling the connection with an artwork, no matter the artist or era, is the best part.
I love the idea of sketching the room from your photos after the event. I've never done that but I should give it a try. I like the sketch and I see what you mean about Cezanne and the colors, too. I hope you share your larger piece when done.
ReplyDeleteJeanie,
DeleteYou have wonderful photographs of folks gathering. I hope you do some paintings of them.
Love that sketch! I look forward to the acrylic!
ReplyDeleteMarie,
DeleteThe acrylic might be started this week. There's a lot of projects that need to
move forward in the spring.
Have a Happy Week!
Yes the colours in your sketch and the Cezanne painting are similar and I like them :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan,
DeleteThe colors are favorites. I feel like they set a calm and thinking mood
That is an interesting painting of the men playing cards. You're right, there's something unique about it. Keep sketching and painting, will you? You don't realize what a talent you really do have.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri,
DeleteWe all have our doubts about ourselves. It's like a cat looking in a mirror sometimes.
Thank you. I will put effort into that painting. It is a special one.
Yes... the first thing I noticed in The Card Players painting is the concentrated looks on the men's faces. And the colors are very rich. I will enjoy seeing your sketch being turned into a painting (if you bring us along). :)
ReplyDeleteBecki,
DeleteBringing the painting to the blog is a good idea.
I think we are influenced by things we have seen in the past despite not being aware of it (case in point, your use of the colours here). I also like your saying about feeling a connection with our art.
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
DeleteYour quiltings are always something that has a connection vibe. You do chose your subjects well.
Often, I am influenced by a photograph in a similar way that you are with a painting. The comparison between your birthday party sketch and the men playing cards was a similar example. Like others who commented, I will also be looking forward to seeing what you make of the final work.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice,
DeleteThe time is nearing when I will chose the canvas to use. I have my eyes on two larger ones.