Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Knifework

On Sunday I had the urge to paint by water. The first 3 places I went to were busy with fishermen but I was looking for solitude. My 4th try panned out and I stopped along the Wickecheoke Creek near Stockton, NJ. I've done about 5 paintings from this exact same spot already, but it's such a peaceful place, I'll never tire of going back. The only thing that disturbed the peace was the sound of a large blue heron taking off from the river behind me - it made such a burst of noise that it scared me! But the sight of a blue heron in flight quickly brought back that peaceful feeling.

"Wickecheoke Creek, August"
8x10 oil on linen panel

Normally I paint with brushes, but once in a while I'll use a palette knife. Painting with a knife is very different than painting with a brush, but they're great for getting your color down cleanly. A brush will tend to mix into any paint that's already on the canvas so it's good for blending. A palette knife can lay down a color cleanly without disturbing the paint that's already there. There can be some mingling of paints, but it's a very different effect. Some closeups which show the knife work a little better:

7 comments:

  1. I've been following your blog for a bit. Your work is beautiful. The painting is so peaceful and serene.

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  2. Joe,
    I like your paintings! You handle the paint beautifully. I just discovered you today through this crazy blog thing. (I started mine about a month ago-it's an intriguing way to connect with other artists and see their work)

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  3. Great piece Joe. Love the texture of the thick paint.

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  4. Well, everytime I think, "he can never top THIS," he does! I love it when painters use a palette knife - makes me want to reach out & touch the canvas. I would have loved to have seen you jump when that blew heron flew away. Keep inspiring us.

    Deb

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  5. Indigomar - thanks, and good luck with your blog. And yes, these blog things are crazy, but there are some good ones out there!

    Thanks, Les!

    Thank you, Deb, you're way too kind.

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  6. Hi, really see your no stranger to the palette knife. like yor site. Ed

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