recording the process (rust triptych) 6

Well I have to admit that I decided yesterday, I was still not ready to paint the canvases. I realised that what was stopping me was a basic lack of research into abstract and triptych design, both of which I know virtually nothing about, so I decided that a trip to the local library was the answer. They rarely fail me when I’m on a mission.



I came across a great book full of very interesting artists’ work and found 2 pieces that really resonated. The first one is by an artist named Kathryn Frund, entitled Fin-de-Siecle II. I like the balance of this piece, with the found objects set at graduated heights and the colour blocks offsetting each other on the 2 outside panels, while in the central panel the colour blocks are vertical. There is even a rhythmic feel to the metal washers.



I know now, that so far I’ve been feeling in the dark for a balanced and rhythmic composition, I think I need to do more paperwork studies to find that foundation before I jump in!



The second piece is by Leslie Masters, entitled Mountain Rust, so it was the title I noticed first on this one, but I love the contrasts in this piece, between the serene background and the barbed wire. I suppose you could say that the background too has a harsh feel due to the texture and what feels like a heat haze. But it’s also the tension I like in this work.

I did slip back onto the computer last night to try out a couple of composites to see if it would make any difference if I introduced some imagery from Hurst castle’s history, but while I enjoyed doing them and it gave me a greater feeling of connection to this project I don’t think it’s the right direction. I feel it needs to be an abstract, but I want to feel that know how it connects and resonates with the initial source and my connection to it.