1/21/11

Passing Point, 24x24

Passing Point, 24x24" Pastel on sanded paper ©2011 Brenda Boylan

By now all you lookieloos who peruse this blog know that I've been working on a bunch of city scenes for an upcoming show at Caswell Gallery. It is a subject that I have barely touched upon in my entire artistic career. I have found this series of work to be a little like a hide and seek game, finding bits of interesting urban scenes that were worth putting pastel to paper. Especially this week, as I was driving about, I took note of the bright lights on the cars and also how they reflected the road markings. These are things that I would have NEVER considered looking at before this series of work. My intent in this painting was to get the lights to glow so that they made my eyes water. The final (above) is a much larger version inspired by my last blog post that has quadrupled in size. My gosh, this was a fun one to paint. What have you recently noticed about your world around you?

"Cityscapes"
Artist's Reception is Friday Feb 4th, 6~9:00pm
Feb 4th~28th, 2011
201 W. Columbia River Hwy.
Troutdale, OR.

Close up and cropped!

10 Comments:

Anonymous cindy said...

Love this series and yes, never would I have chosen to paint this, but focusing on one subject does help you find an interesting beauty about it. I've been working on something odd to reveal in a few months...meanwhile I'll put urban scenes on the list. Great work!

1/22/11, 4:19 AM  
Blogger Casey Klahn said...

Congratulations on your upcoming exhibit!

These cityscapes are great, and I admire your handling of so many elements - composition, massing, value scale, and the usage of some wonderful primaries in there, too.

This will be an exciting show.

1/22/11, 6:59 AM  
Blogger Donna T said...

I love your urban scenes,too, Brenda! You have composed them so beautifully and made the most of the colors. Great series! What do I notice about the world around me? Snowflakes floating by horizontally at the moment!

1/23/11, 5:50 AM  
Blogger Brenda Boylan said...

Hi Cindy, glad you like the series. I've been observing my mundane suburbian world with a keen eye and I've been surprised with a few new things I've never noticed before. Will be interested in seeing what your "odd" will be!

Casey, thanks, thanks and more thanks! Always a pleasure to get a comment from you! The exhibit is a group show, so I expect to see some incredible urban scenes. Can be interpreted in so many ways. I do hope you be able to make it out?

Hey Donna! Thanks too, my friend! I've been using 3 pastels for one color, layering them like an onion makes for real interesting depth. Horizontal snowflakes? Sounds like winter at it's best.

1/23/11, 7:57 PM  
Blogger Celeste Bergin said...

24x24...nice big size---I really enjoy the mystery and intrigue in these night/city scenes. Great job--I hope to come out to see them in person. :)

1/24/11, 9:59 AM  
Blogger Brenda Boylan said...

Celeste, that would be great to see you 'twice' in one week! Yeah, not often a large one comes from my dinky studio. It was 'crazy dusty' here from such a large one.

1/24/11, 2:02 PM  
Blogger Nancy Goldman said...

This is such a beautiful, moody painting.

1/25/11, 7:58 AM  
Blogger Brenda Boylan said...

Thanks so much Nancy!

1/25/11, 9:06 AM  
Blogger Cobalt Violet said...

Wow, you work is really amazing and so unique!

2/6/11, 3:57 PM  
Blogger Brenda Boylan said...

Thanks Cobalt, Glad you stopped by! I checked out your blog and makes me want to travel somewhere exotic. Maybe someday. :)

2/6/11, 5:02 PM  

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