What’s Behind a Painting?
Kaleidoscope, by Melody Phaneuf | 12 x 16 oil
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Here is a peek at Kaleidoscope, from a series of paintings I’ve been working on this past summer. The subject of light emerging from darkness has interested me for a long time and possesses a special significance at this moment. The essence of a low major key in painting can instill a quiet awe, and a comforting sense of refuge.
When thinking about the design it was important to organize the parts to emphasize the fireworks display, which is only a small area in the painting. About three quarters of the picture plane is subordinated to this center of interest. The figures in the foreground are held together as one mass that leads the eye inward then dissolves with a few isolated figures punctuating the middle ground—just far enough for the pink reflections and smoke clouds to take over the role in leading the eye toward the subject of the painting.
The color scheme was inspired by memory of a fireworks display that transformed the sky into a velvety red violet darkness while illuminating the ground in a golden aura. The water reflections form an inviting movement into the the distance and help to strengthen the direction toward to the center of interest.
I was also experimenting with substrates and painting grounds for this series. Inspired by Venetian frescoes during a recent trip, I tried to simulate the integration of pigment and surface of those venerable walls. Birch panels prepared with many layers of smoothly sanded traditional gesso provided an echo of fresco’s matte quality. This surface requires a much different paint handling than my usual highly textured substrates. I’m enjoying the change and am pleased with the outcome.
Five of the paintings from the Illumination Series are complete and will be on display at my studio during our fall tour, October 11 & 12. Come view them!
