Deliberation Step 7
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
As I mentioned, I was unhappy with the flat concrete wall almost the second I finished it. Yes, it was busy, but I also thought it was making the figure look a little crowded. Still, I was limited in what I could place behind the Woman by the reflections in the Floor. Eventually I realized that a cylindrical concrete column would fit the basic shape of the reflections, but would also push back into space and open up the room so the figure wasn’t all crammed into the corner. I also determined to keep the texture of the concrete fairly smooth, and let the play of light around the column add the interest. I think it was a huge improvement.
As for the vista behind the column, I had originally intended to incorporate an arched bridge of some kind to continue the curve formed by the figure’s leg. However, I was so happy with the figure, and had been so decidedly unhappy with the way the flat, busy concrete had competed with her that I elected to keep the entire background as clean and simple as possible. A blue sky with a few white clouds would play off the white shirt and blue skirt, and let the woman be the only focal point in the entire composition. I also really liked the new aesthetic that was emerging with the long vertical lines of the column and its reflection, and the long horizontal of the floor. It again focused everything on the figure, now the only non-linear component in the picture.
The changes to the concrete and the addition of the sky finished the painting. I am still extremely happy with the final result, even more so than if I had kept to my original concept. Unfortunately, my original title ideas along the lines of ‘Arch’ or ‘Structure’ now wouldn’t work. But the figure’s posture, pose and facial expression suggested to me a person on the cusp of making an important decision. Once the word ‘Deliberation’ came to mind it seemed to fit the mood of the painting perfectly.
As always, I am more than happy to answer any questions or hear any comments about ‘Deliberation’, my methods, my thoughts on Art in general or any of my other pieces.
Thanks for reading.










