Thursday, November 22, 2007

6th Street Bridge


This new piece is another moderately large one, it is 30 x 30 inches, oil on canvas. I actually crawled down the steep concrete basin to the bottom and walked a couple of miles along the L.A. River (in the rain) to shoot some photos a while back. Prepared to risk life and limb for my art, I almost slid on some gravel and toppled down to my imminent demise. But fortunately I lived to tell the tale and finish this painting, unscathed.
This view is a rather iconic angle of the old art deco era bridge, I loved seeing that dark underbelly, plus the reflections in the murky water. I decided to keep the color rather simple, emphasizing the dramatic contrasts. There's alot of thick paint on there, but other areas I kept washy and thin. The canvas was begun with gray gesso, a technique that allowed me to better judge appropriate values. At the drawing stage, I had to find my vanishing point and more accurately depict what the camera lens tends to bend. I'm very pleased with the finish here, it's one of those pieces that I've long wanted to paint.

14 comments:

BoneDaddy said...

The shadows and water really make it seem real. Kick ass job.

william wray said...

Tough angle. Bridges are a hard one to pull off, I have yet to do one I like. This is really strong, with some good choices of simplification. I get that slightly dizzy feeling like I'm under it and looking up. I like the sister bridge way of to the right, nice bit of light there. Well done!

Jesse said...

Very ominous feeling, I think. Good show.

tonypetersart said...

Thanks BG, I appreciate it. I'm experimenting with a new method of approaching water in a painting, much thinner and washy.

tonypetersart said...

Hey Bill, thanks! I neglected to mention in my post that you accompanied me down the steep concrete slopes of the LA River. And that I'd often wanted to go there to shoot photos, but was afraid of the bridge trolls living under there. Thanks for watching my back! Glad you like the painting.

tonypetersart said...

Much appreciated, Jesse. Glad to see you back on my blog!

Jesse said...

Oh, heh, I think I commented a couple times as 'Crawlspace'

Too many logins cause problems.

PleinEric said...

Hey Tony-

I like this painting lots... I really like the simplification of the architecture with the organic and buttery sky as a backdrop. Nicely done.

tonypetersart said...

Hey Eric,

Thanks man, you've got some great work on your blog too.

Stephen Magsig said...

Tony, really like the way you simplify everything to it's core, nothing unnecessary.
Very hard to do, It gives your work a very clean, strong look. Bravo, nice body of work, new to your site via William Wray

tonypetersart said...

Hey Stephen,

As a kindred spirit of the urban landscape, I especially appreciate your compliments. I often feel challenged to simplify forms, glad you noticed my efforts. Thanks!

Lee_Edwards said...

Tony, I saw this painting at the Tirage Gallery exhibit during your opening and liked it very much. This painting has power, strong composition and confident brush work. The palette is pleasing and the colors are harmonized well. It has an imposing feeling and, as others have stated, the painting has a clean look. It is not cluttered with unnecessary elements. That is a difficult process for artists to learn: what to leave out and you have clearly learned how to do that effectively. Also I enjoyed meeting you, although we didn't have long to talk. I'm impressed that you seem to enjoy meeting art collectors and other artists, like you really don't mind it! I know art making can be a solitary thing and some artists prefer the solitary, isolated life. Some artists can barely tolerate the craziness of other people—the inane comments and whatnot. You're not like that! Obviously you make art for people to enjoy and you seem to like people. That impresses me.

tonypetersart said...

Hey Lee,

Thanks a bunch! Funny we ended up bumping into one another again at the LA Art Show in Santa Monica. It was good meeting you too, good luck with your art. I appreciate your comments.

Anonymous said...

Great work..keep going..

Thanks for sharing...


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