Red Train
24x48 oil on wood.
Here is a big painting I did for the Vault Gallery for a big paintings show they are having right now. I forgot about the deadline and was in the middle of two freelance jobs when I just had to crank it out in a day and a half. I'll be honest, it's not really finished and had to use dryers, sending it before I wanted to. Just a few more hours might have made this one a really great one. I actually hope it doesn't sell and I can finish it up properly. I have to learn how to budget my time and or just be way late and do the paintings the right way. This is a little industrial train station east of Grand Gentra/ LA river area, below the 5 near Daily street. I snuck through a "Bum Hole" in a fence on a overpass a was ignored by the railroad guys. One talked to me later, but didn't hassle me. I noticed security looking for me later, but they didn't try very hard.
posted by william wray at 4:44 PM
30 Comments:
I guess I like the train the way it is. I like how those red-oranges seem to go with the violets on its broadside. Kind of a warm-cold thing that seemed to fit right into it.
The only thing that really bothers me at all about it is that yellow car. The whole time I looked at the picture I kept thinking to it 'go on, get outta here!'
The train has a nice sense of motion. I don't know if that was intended or becuase its not finished but it works. Cool colors in the sky.
Nailed this one. Miracle driers eh? Your secret is out now. I imagine this will be snapped up in a hurry. Like the horizontals - rendering... color and subject. Killah.
Wow! I love this one-it's a strong composition and it has a very striking color combination. I agree with BG about the car-it is intersecting with the telephone pole and the strong contrast is a little distracting. Can't you sneak into the gallery with your paints? Just act casual, then whip around and touch it up-it would take 2 seconds, max!
; - )
what a cool painting...I love it. the scene has a real 40's feel to me
This one is chock full. Lots of motion and diesel power... I can hear that train. Good work. Ditto on the pole vs car.
I checked out Wesson's work and I like him a lot.
Bill you rebel!
Looks great!
So what's left to do that makes it "unfinished"? Sometimes you say your paintings are "overworked". At what point is a painting considered as just "finished"?
Sorry if that question seems ignorant...I'm just learning this stuff.
Congrats on your attempt at another large-scale painting! Don't be so hard on yourself, I think it looks great.
Red Train, Blue Train, Green Train, Red. Blue train, red train, Red train , red.
I think we understand each other.
Like it just the way it is... It's great.
lovely style and colors....great job
Gorgeous colors, William. Definitely one of my favorites.
The sky on this one steals the show. Terrific colors.
But that shouldn't surprise me...!
BG yeah it's the yellow car that I wanted to work on more. It's not motion I was trying to get , I just didn't do enough on it.
Oh yeah! The "Red Train"...I almost forgot to notice the train with that awesome sky hanging above. Did you under paint this sky as the others...or not?
This one is "boss", it will sell for all the wrong reasons, ('cause someone likes trains), but there is so much going on in your work that is sublime.
I am even more amazed at how you always find "your way in" to these secured spots via hole in the fence, canoe, etc. Do you move around with a "light painting kit", or do you drag a "box car" behind you with all the goods to paint with.
Cheers
I live in a town loaded with train tracks and there is a train yard I would love to sneak into. This is a very nice painting, I would not have thought a thing about it being unfinished unless you mentioned it. The sky is what does it for me, I look at the red train right away and then move to the sky.
Robin
No it was a luc ky break, that's the unfinised part.
thatks Bill, I didn't use the deadly ones like cobalt dryer, but still liquin isn't good.
Leslie, If I get it back I may just take another look at that spot.
Bill, I have felt a little bad for nit-picking such a minor point on this painting. It's because you are a pro and I expect great things from you, and you deliver time after time. It is a great painting, and it's always better to err on the side of "not quite finished" vs. overdone. I do love this one, I hope that was clear. ; - )
Rhonda. I'm sure its just the same as back then.
Hey c. I'll see what I can do. If I ever do.... ;p)
Shawn it's hard to answer that question, but in this case I really feel there are some spots that need more work. How do you know when a painting is finished?: At the first possible moment it can be.
thanks Tony , I like it, but I jsut wanted to date it a little longer, fool around a bit more before the prom.
Dan your a regualr card and I need those.
Hey John,
I this case just a camera. The hazards of working trains are that they move before you are finished painting them.
sneak in Todd . I suggest sunday early or late.
No worries Les--I did not take your comment negatively.
Holy bejoulies, that's one smart painting Bill. I love it.
WOW!! WOW!! YOur paintings are always so wonderful!! Great mood and atmosphere in each pieces!! SUch expressiveness. Wonderful photos too!!
Post a Comment
<< Home