Over the past decade or so, I’ve taken to painting these color studies as a vehicle of experimentation. These painterly sketches are the bridge between my larger, more elaborate representational and abstract artworks , the place where my all my tools, techniques and color schemes first become realized.
Lovingly referred to as Mini-Me’s they are painted Alla Prima, direct and in one sitting, either, En Plein Air (outdoors), from a photo or my imagination…often times all three come into play. The key for me is to not over think it and to paint it matter-of-factly….eyes to brain to hand using an arenol of tools and techniques developed over a lifetime…These of which I keep building upon & adding to, as an artist is always learning.
Whether a flicker of light, the color that only some see on a gray day or a random pattern repeated in nature, I am inspired and compelled to translate and express my experience & vision. Most of these are painted on gesso board and in recent years I’ve taken to using a 12” square format as I had a custom carrier to dry and store them in designed for me, it also fits perfectly in car for traveling. Typically I begin laying in color with brushes. I always paint in the order it would have appeared by design in reality. In other words, in a landscape, the sky is placed in first, land, trees, buildings, animals & persons, if desired. Any other way looks like an after thought to me, especially if the sky has been painted over the tree branches. All design elements are engrained on my brain before I begin to execute the piece. Of course allowing for bits of chaos and play, cause that’s where the magic happens.
I generally begin laying in color with brushes, then close the edges with palette knives, adding more paint & color as I give pattern and direction to the composition, and heighten contrast, plus the intensity of the color, whether they are muted or vivid ones. I’ll use tissues to soften and moved the paint around the panel making it more cohesive and balanced. Then using a sculptural tool to scratch into the image to cut into the layers of color and enhance varied line and patterns, the details flourish. Finally using a vary small brush to add in finishing details…the suggestion of a critter or person, the piece is complete & finalized with my signature.
Here are a selection of my most recent color studies. A great way to begin a collection or add small pieces to an existing one. These are for available for your consideration. I would like to express my deepest gratitude, to all my generous supporters, patrons & collectors, as you make this possible.
As always, feel free to message me with your comments & questions
Richard Sperry
