Re-Vision

Hemlock Garden, Russell Steven Powell acrylic on canvas, 16x20
Hemlock Garden, Russell Steven Powell acrylic on canvas, 16×20

RE-VISION

AFTER LIVING WITH THEM for awhile, several of my paintings did not stand up. The designs were strong, but they had too little paint. Juxtaposed with my other work, they looked thin, insubstantial.

Revising “Lakeside” and “Thunderstorm,” I added much more detail than the originals, sacrificing simplicity for depth.

Lakeside, Russell Steven Powell oil on canvas, 12x9
Lakeside, oil on canvas, 12×9
Lakeside revised, Russell Steven Powell oil on canvas, 12x9
Lakeside revised, oil on canvas, 12×9
Approaching Storm, Russell Steven Powell oil on canvas, 16x12
Approaching Storm, oil on canvas, 16×12
Thunderstorm revised, Russell Steven Powell oil on canvas, 16x12
Thunderstorm revised, oil on canvas, 16×12

I took a simpler approach with “Abstract 67,” adding layers of brighter colors.

Abstract 67, Russell Steven Powell oil on canvas, 24x18
Abstract 67, oil on canvas, 24×18
Abstract 67 revised, Russell Steven Powell oil on canvas, 24x18
Abstract 67 revised, oil on canvas, 24×18

“Hemlock Garden” and “River View” have been sitting in my studio since summer, awaiting completion.

River View, Russell Steven Powell oil on canvas, 24x20
River View, Russell Steven Powell oil on canvas, 24×20

8 Replies to “Re-Vision”

  1. A wonderful burst of new work, albeit some are revisions. At our best we are always stepping back and scooping up the stragglers and finding their new purpose. All good. Hemlock Garden is great in concept and really fascinating in detail. Reminds me of the big orchard painting, a great direction of exploration!! Great stuff! JW

    1. Thank you. Perhaps these are transitional paintings, preludes to a new phase. Looking forward to what fall and winter may bring!

    1. Thank you, Judy! There’s only one way forward, and I’ve little to lose by taking some risks. Would love to see your new work.

  2. Hi Russ,
    I agree. Hemlock Garden feels like it is alive with energy. Seems very new in contrast with most of your work.
    Happy Fall
    Meg

    1. Thank you, Meg. Yes, perhaps a new stage in the learning process. I’m eager to follow, wherever it leads. I hope you are well, and throwing pots!

    1. What a wonderful compliment! Thank you, Diane. And just in time for the gardens to be put to bed for the winter. As a painter, I will carry on, and see what sprouts in my studio over the next few months.

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