02/20/2005: "Woman Playing Musical Saw"

So, this is the new painting that I started last night. I'm pretty happy with it so far. I've only had one setback...see, it's a panel, and I had it fastened in the easle and it wasn't secure and slipped out and rubbed against my knee all the way down to the ground, putting a horrible smear down the middle. The photo below is the one I just took, after fixing the the big smear. After it dries I'll put on another coat of paint. I used the multicolored splotch of paint on my knee to make an artist trading card with my knee print on it... (Posted after the musical saw paintings)

The biggest question I have about this painting is the hand holding the umbrella. I'm not sure if I like that arm there. In one way I like it, it suggests someone just off stage and adds a bit of mystery...on the other hand, I'm not sure I like what it does compositionally to the piece. I'm considering painting it out and just having the umbrella stuck in the ground, like the kind you use at the beach. Any thoughts?

OK, I decided to add another version of the painting where I PhotoShopped out the arm.

Replies: 4 Comments

on Sunday, February 20th, Howard said

I think you're right about that arm. Making it a beach umbrella sounds like a better idea.

on Sunday, February 20th, Elise said

Thanks Howard, I just added the PhotoShopped version with the arm taken out. I'm have to clean it up and maybe bring the snow down farther on the left.

on Monday, February 21st, holly said

No arm- makes the composition too busy. Makes me want to try and draw a relationship between the saw and the arm and it isn't working. Looks great with just the brolly!

on Monday, February 21st, Elise said

Thanks Holly, I think you're right as well...there's something about it that just isn't working. I'll paint the arm out tonight.