Wind
How can I paint wind? This is one of the thoughts I had as I painted this week. How can I salute Berthe Morisot in this painting? I look forward to sharing this and more with you this week gentle reader. But first, here’s a hello to new readers and a description of this blog’s focus and purpose.
Small Spaces Special Places
Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s is “Small Spaces Special Places.” One reason for this theme is I have been surprised, even delighted, with the small spaces in our house that have captured my eye.
Then, there are the special places I see on my daily dog walks here in Raleigh. Each morning, rain or shine, I love getting outdoors and looking for special places to paint.
Most weeks, I also share an exercise and/or a painter who inspires my work. If you know someone who you think might enjoy a weekly dose of color, with a dash of art history, please encourage them to sign up here for this weekly blog.
Admission
This week’s painting seems to straddle last year’s theme of Favorite Things and the 2021 theme I describe above. Why do I say this? Well, I admit that the objects in this week’s painting are objects I collect from my morning walk. Both objects, the magnolia leaf and two feathers, are set up in a still life arrangement. But, I made the decision to leave out the realistic background of this still life. Here’s what inspired me to do this.
Inspiration
Lately, I have been thinking about brush strokes, paint and the outcome of these actions. Most of my paintings have a finished look where the viewer cannot see the brush strokes I make. I find I am curious about painters whose brush strokes are visible – even prominent – in their paintings. Enter Berthe Morisot and her painting entitled “The Cage.”
I love seeing her varied and colorful brush strokes. For instance, when I look at the sweet bird cage and planter with flowers behind it, I smile. Do you?
To clarify, imagine if this painting had a background and table top with no visible brush strokes and direct light cascading from the upper right corner. Would you agree that this painting would feel more formal? With Morisot’s looser brush strokes, there’s a feeling of intimacy and ease.
Don’t let this description of her painting fool you though. Morisot was a serious, professional painter at a time when women were confined to domestic life. Do you think this photograph supports that image? Yes?
Why Wind
As I worked on this week’s painting, I wanted the viewer to see the magnolia leaf and feathers as if they were floating in the wind. I also wanted to paint the leathery texture of the leaf and the light, fluffy feel of the feathers. I know that drawing feathers in graphite has helped me as I strive towards that goal. Here’s an example of a recent drawing:
One of the reasons I feel so fortunate to be painting full-time these days is I get to think about all the technical challenges I describe here today. But I have another reason, beyond the technical, for choosing the leaf and feathers to paint this week.
It’s about the birds
We are at a crossroads when it comes to saving our environment and planet. I encourage you to read Doug Tallamy, PhD’s book entitled “Nature’s Best Hope.” He describes specific steps we can each take to support birds and life in our yards and the planet. For instance, he suggests each of us create a home grown national park! You can read what that means here.
If you have a chance to read the book, the home grown national park link and live in the Raleigh area, there is a delightful small nursery that supplies most of the plants you will need. The nursery is called Field to Cottage. Even if you don’t live in Raleigh, check out the lovely paintings on their website!
For Sale
This small 5 inch by 5 inch painting is in gouache and painted on paper. It’s ready to frame and is for sale for $45. Please contact me if you’re interested.
How about you
How about you gentle reader? What are you thinking about these days? Are you a bird fan? Are you gearing up for some spring gardening activities? Please do tell in the comments below. And, thank you for reading today!
8 Comments
Alexandra
March 18, 2021I enjoyed what you said about brush strokes. It reminds me of my own attempts at making more brush strokes visible, which is completely the opposite of how I normally paint. Yet, I increasingly find that smoothing out all brush strokes leaves me dissatisfied not accurately reflecting back the subject in front of me. It’s been a surprising and fun discovery! Applying brush strokes alone and just applying new ones over the existing ones to create the work brings me closer to the affect that I am seeking.
I enjoyed looking at your drawing and painting and especially like the gesture of the hand holding the feather. Lovely rendering!
Julie Holmes
March 20, 2021Hi Alexandra,
I think it’s interesting that you are paying attention to brush stroke application as well. I wonder if it’s a normal progression of a long term commitment to the craft?
Either way, it’s nice to know that you are evaluating the materials. I look forward to talking with you about this in person soon.
Thank you for your observation about the drawing, too. Take care and lots ‘o love and hugs!
Beth Dyer Clary
March 18, 2021Julie, this painting has such a different feel to it. I “feel” the movement of the wind in it. I’m fascinated to learn how you think about these technical points and then to see the results right before my eyes!
And I love the sketch with the hand and feather – wow! So beautiful and made me realize I think I’d recognize you hand anywhere.
Haven’t been a fan of the BIG winds of the last few weeks. I know they bring birds to the area that are migrating and I do like that but we have kindling to last us awhile from all the downed limbs.
Yesterday I noticed a lot of white feathers on the hillside. We have some resident hawks so I wondered if they were the cause for all the feathers. Yipes. Hope not.
Today, I counted 22 robins on the same hillside. Now I have to study those more carefully and see if they have white feathers!
Great post, as always,
Beth
Julie Holmes
March 20, 2021Hi Beth,
The feel is what I was aiming for here. So I am glad you sensed it.
We have been experiencing all kinds of strange winds and weather here in the South too. It’s a bit overwhelming to imagine what it must be like for birds to be navigating both as they migrate.
I wonder what the source of your white feathers is? Do keep me posted. Maybe it’s the 22 robins? But, maybe not?
Thanks for reading, observing and commenting! Lots o’ love!
Kathy Michaud
March 18, 2021Julie, I love this painting and also the sketch of your hand holding the feather. I’m thinking of all the feathers we saw at the beach last week and the nearly constant wind there. I can’t say much about brush strokes in oil, but I will say that both you and Berthe have used the strokes and colors in the backgrounds of your paintings to express what cannot be drawn- the wind and the mood. So well done!
Julie Holmes
March 20, 2021Hi Kathy,
Thank you! We did see lots of feathers and shells on the beach last week. Always a treat.
I was definitely thinking wind and mood so thank you for seeing that. Yay! Lots o’ love!
Ruth
March 20, 2021Julie,
I think my favorite piece from this post is your sketch of your hand holding the feather.
While I’ve loved Berthe Morisot’s paintings, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a portrait of her. Don’t think she suffered any fools. So glad she painted and didn’t let society’s expectations stop her.
Ruth
Julie Holmes
March 20, 2021Hi Ruth,
Thank you! I loved drawing that feather while holding it in my right hand.
I bet you’re right about Berthe Morisot. That photo made me think she had a no nonsense attitude. Something I wish we, as women, would invoke more often – even these days!
Thank you for reading, observing and commenting! Lots o’ love too!