Whether we paint, draw, sculpt, or write, we are all faced with the occasional uncomfortable confrontation with the “blank canvas”. In my case, it can generally manifest itself in several different but equally intimidating forms: What the subject will be is one of the ones I encounter frequently, mostly because I have dozens of potential subjects whirling around in my head. Right now, for instance, I am trying to come up with a good idea for a painting of the C-7A Caribou operations in Vietnam. I have numerous photographs taken during my tour that I will certainly reference, and drawings that I have done previously, but I want to approach it from a new angle, so I’m spending a good deal of time just staring at various references and trying to find the solution. Some of the most interesting subjects are only memories, as I was too busy with the job to be taking pictures or notes. I’ve also got ideas for numerous other subjects, mostly aviation, but sorting them out in my mind and prioritising them is an ongoing mental challenge.
I’m also still experimenting with gouache, so thinking about how to use that to the best advantage. Or maybe I should go back to oils for a while… and then there’s the choice of support. Canvas, board, watercolour paper, which would best suit the subject and mood I’m trying for? Then I have to decide on whether to use a toned background or just stick with white.
At the moment, I’m at work on a gouache painting of one of my niece’s rescued foxes. (work in progress picture below). I decided to try using some old Grumbacher HyPro paper fabric that I’ve had around since the 70s. It was an interesting product, which could be used as a painting support on its own, with a smooth side and an imitation canvas texture on the reverse. It can be used dry, or moistened and molded into shapes that harden into whatever you’ve sculpted them into. I used it many moons ago when I lived in Jeddah because canvases were impossible to find at the time. I used to soak it and stretch it over homemade frames, where it would shrink up drumhead tight. Right now I’m using it like watercolour paper, moistened and taped to my board. I’m using the smooth side and prepared it with a coat of gesso tinted with yellow ochre, which provides a good surface for the gouache. It seems to be progressing just fine, but time will tell. If it works really well, I’m going to be annoyed though, as Grumbacher doesn’t seem to make it anymore and I only have about 10 sheets left. C’est la vie.
While we sit around waiting for whatever foolishness the government throws at us next, here are a few links to things that can break up the monotony:
Stella Grace Lyons is an art Historian who delivers online lectures on various subjects. I’ve seen two of them. (Charles Rennie Mackintosh and The Glasgow Boys) and they are well delivered and informative. She charges a bit for them, but I personally think they are worth it. There are several more coming up that you can check out here:
https://stellagracelyons.co.uk/arthistory/online-talks/
Exhibition on screen has a good number of programmes available for download or DVD and have also proven to be an informative and educational way of whiling away a rainy afternoon:
https://www.seventh-art.com/product-category/exhibition-on-screen-2/
Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, though closed at the moment, has an online talk on Richard Hamilton, a leading figure in British Pop Art. Scheduled for 25 February, you can find out more about it here:
https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/richard-hamilton-ways-of-seeing-in-a-modern-world/
Here are some more links to great aviation art and artists:
Doug Cargill: https://www.redbubble.com/people/hmsresolute/shop
Chris Rock: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.706482936576128&type=3
Aviation Art World: https://aviation-art-world.com
Until next time. Stay safe and keep you and yours healthy.