 ...cont... The title of these latest pieces is BookMarks: A Library of Line, Shape, Value, Color & Texture. You would think the subject prompted the title, but actually it was the paint application technique that dictated the name. These canvases are images created exclusively using MARKS. By choosing tools that echo the size and shape of the desired details, the marks made next to other marks create the illusion of stacked books. The paintings are very realistic but at the same time they are very abstract depending on the viewer’s position. If you get "up close and personal" with the canvases all you will see are lines, shapes, colors and textures(the basic art elements), from a distance they are hyper-realistic renderings of time-worn volumes.
This paradox reminds me of our Omniscient, All-Knowing, All-Wise, All-Seeing, All-Powerful, Loving-Unconditionally, Merciful, yet Personal, Approachable, God! He creates our every detail as if knitting us in His hand with a magnifying glass, ("For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14); and knows who we are without hesitation when we come running, especially when we have distanced ourselves from Him, (“So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20). Visit www.janefnewman.com: Click on the Daily Glory Glimpses Blog tab for past posts; Click on the Sneak Peek tab for more information about the BookMarks series.
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 Last post, I began an ongoing discussion about the inspiration behind my latest painting series titled, "BookMarks:A Library of Line, Shape, Value, Color & Texture". The paintings are created using layer upon layer of pushing and scraping paint applications. The photo to the left is an example of the first, initial layer. Very bright values are loosely blocked in to capture the essence of the Light I see in the stacks of books. Progressing layers will mostly cover this layer, but because of the texture on the canvas surface, as well as the untraditional tools used to add the top layers, these bright colors will peek through randomly (the photo below illustrates the progression). As I worked on the 7 canvases that make up this series, God spoke to me through the layering process as well as the subject of these time-worn volumes. The bright colors of our childhood and youth peek through the maturity of our journeys as time passes. Our covers might be well used but they have a beauty all their own that include include and work with the hues of the past. We are a work in progress with a Master Creator who is continually adding new layers. Only He can see the Masterpiece He is creating in you. "But also for this reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8 ...next time, abstract realism! www.janefnewman.com Click on Daily Glory Glimpses Blog to view previous posts Click on the Sneak Peek tab to learn more about the BookMarks series.   I have recently completed a series of paintings titled, BookMarks:A Library of Line, Shape, Value, Color & Texture. The images were inspired by old, time worn and weathered, leather bound books. Most, not all, but most of them are large bibles from the 1800's. I have been asked, "What inspired you to create this series?". The answer began back in October 2018. My husband and I were doing research into the history of the published Word of God, the Bible. A few weeks time was spent reading and thumbing through volumes of information. We would even refer to some of the antique Bibles we have collected over the years. During that quest for deeper knowledge of how we have God's written Word, I was nudged to capture the beauty and timelessness of these well thumbed volumes on canvas. The Word is so precious to me and learning how It has remained basically unchanged over thousands of years is Awe inspiring as well as creatively inspirational. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8 "Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath." Hebrews 6:17 to be continued... The story of how the paintings were created and the techniques used are for future posts. I hope you will place a bookmark here to catch-up on the journey in the days to come... www.janefnewman.com For previous blog posts click on the "Daily Glory Glimpses Blog" tab. For more information about the BookMarks Series click on the "Sneak Peak" tab and the "In Town Gallery" tab. |