Sunday, August 30, 2015

Break Through

I had a break through last week.  It came in the form of this family picture.  I like the composition, but mostly it is the looseness of the paint quality.  I felt free and this painting came out whole.   

Boom!    
Living Room
The little Bonnard and Vuillard exercises did the trick.  I get so hung up of surfaces that I end up tightening everything up till they squeek!  (Which has a certain satisfaction in a obsessive way.)  I am going to tweak the background a little bit.  But mostly it is done.

My dog Elmo was my first subject when I resumed painting after a 10 year hiatus.  He is one of the most magical beings.  
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8 comments:

  1. Steve FinnellAugust 30, 2015 at 10:09 AM

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  2. EliAugust 30, 2015 at 9:08 PM

    I love this painting.

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    1. Lani TanakaSeptember 14, 2015 at 8:14 AM

      Just saw this. Wish I had seen it earlier! Thank you Eli.

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  3. UnknownAugust 31, 2015 at 9:57 PM

    wow this is a breakthrough. What exercises are you talking about? I need those!

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    1. UnknownAugust 31, 2015 at 9:57 PM

      and I love this painting too. it's awesome

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    2. Lani TanakaSeptember 1, 2015 at 10:33 AM

      Thanks Liza!

      I copied a Vuillard and a Bonnard earlier this summer.

      http://lanitanaka.blogspot.com/2015/07/summer-fun.html

      You know how in European museums you see people set up with their easels copying the masters? I know you can learn a lot from doing that. But, I realize in reality I had no idea. I think it really liberated me some how. I am going to have to do it again. Maybe, a Guston next.

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  4. UnknownSeptember 2, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    You are such a great painter, Lani. Love this piece. Miss watching you do all those lovely surfaces!

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