Of the four quick studies that I made I felt that the most successful and therefore, deserving of further exploration was, the one with an old barn set against a brooding sky. I had called it ‘Storm at Dusk’
I set about a larger study. The work went through my normal process of building up a painting. Slowly I feel that I am developing a technique which is helping to inform my own personal style.
After some final painting I reached the point where I thought that the painting was completed.
There are some key differences in the quick study in comparison to the larger work. In some ways I prefer the quick study as the painting has a brooding quality which is not captured in the larger painting. This is mainly due to the impact that the sky has on the overall look. In addition the over arching tone is darker and more subdued. The larger painting is more accomplished in its execution, the brickwork, roof and larger tree / bush are more refined. I feel that the larger painting benefits from its photograph and being reduced to a photographic image.
In summary it does fit well into my increasing portfolio of paintings for my Parallel project.
Final re-work. I kept looking at the painting and became increasingly disappointed with it. there was something that didn’t work which detracted from the whole. It was the hint of light coming through the open barn door that didn’t fit. It is in the photograph that I used for reference but looks out of place in the painting. I made the decision to remove it. The resultant painting is reproduced below.
Despite this being one of the least successful paintings that I produced towards my Parallel project I decided to rework it. The aerial perspective was improved and the reflected light on the top of straw bails was toned down. The sky was also darkened.
Mark Taylor 'Studio Practice' 