Painting is just another way of keeping a diary ~Pablo Picasso

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Sunbreak in Blue and Silver: Columbia

Nocturne: Blue and Silver - Cremorne Lights
James Abbott McNeill Whistler  1872
I'm continuing to work my way through the list of artists ahead of my class this week.  Another painter who interested me was James Abbott McNeill Whistler.  He had a series of beachscape and harbor paintings where he placed the horizon pretty high up on the canvas, and mainly just painted variations in the water tone.  I thought they were really pretty, and when we were driving along the Columbia on Sunday we came upon a turnout where the light was especially beautiful on the water.  So I tried photographing the scene with the land high in the frame.  Now that I'm reading about Whistler a little, I can see that the paintings that interested me are in a style called Nocturne; he was trying to represent light at night.  I definitely wasn't trying to do that, but I do like the composition he uses. 

6 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

another great match-up! i love the silvery accents in the water.

Sketchbook Wandering said...

Your image is just magical with its silvry light...I love that you are studying paintings & integrating your studies into your own art. (I'll have to go back to read about your class)

Alica said...

This is really pretty! On a totally different note...I just saw your Pacific Northwest calendar on your blog...wish I would've seen it earlier...the photo of Haystack grabbed me! I spent 6 months in Cannon Beach at Ecola Bible School years ago, and that area remains close to my heart!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I believe that Whistler's painting is of the River Thames by moonlight. Your photo is every bit as atmospheric.

Folkways Note Book said...

I like how you are informing us on your class and how you are working your way through techniques. Seems like a good way to experience these master's creative eyes. Very nice photo -- barbara

Liz Needle said...

Stunning image. The silver tones are beautiful.