Friday, July 20, 2007

Los Angeles River Trains II


Another new painting in the more "alla-prima" or painterly style. I kept the color very quiet in this one, started it with just a burnt umber lay-in with a little blue to cool it down. I like the overall effect with it's gritty and industrial feel. It's oil on canvas (16 x 20 inches) and it's called "Los Angeles River Trains II", since I have already painted the area so many times. I can really see how a painter enjoys revisiting themes again and again, I'd like to think that my treatment of the subject changes and improves with each piece.

15 comments:

Jesse said...

That's pretty awesome. Good depth and it feels like a gray muggy day.

tonypetersart said...

Hi Jesse,

I especially like paintings with atmosphere. Makes me want to do a few more pieces with that milky haze. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Wow! This is a neat painting. You've certainly captured a gritty, industrial feel, and the hazy weather adds to that atmosphere. How long did this one take?

tonypetersart said...

Hey AJ, thanks! To answer your question, usually I work on several pieces at a given time. Currently I have about ten Los Angeles paintings in the works, all at different stages of completion (including some very big ones). But I'd say that I spent around four sittings to complete this piece.

I have a couple other new paintings finished this week, but didn't want to post them all at once.

william wray said...

Grey Los Angeles day-- spot on! I commend you for painting all the tank cars. that would kill me.

tonypetersart said...

Thanks Bill. Those tanker cars were surprisingly easy to do... they're really just indicated by light side and shadow side.

BoneDaddy said...

Wow.
I think you hit my sweet spot! I love when people do trainyards, and you nailed it with the drab foggy (smoggy?) atmosphere and the industrial feel along the grounds. The perspective was done really well, too. I like how your eyes hanglide across the yard, over the bridge, and to the faded buildings much further away. Very cool.

tonypetersart said...

Thanks alot BG, I appreciate it. I slapped alot of paint on that background to get that hazy and soft effect on the horizon. I feel like the subject lends itself well to this particular palette and technique. Limited color has a great way of communicating a mood.

PleinEric said...

Hi Tony,

I like this painting alot... I see that area from the freeway every day and wish I could just stop right there and shoot some reference! I ultimately keep driving and avoid death.

tonypetersart said...

I appreciate it Eric. The LA river is definitely a place where it's best to not go solo. Beautiful but scary.

alex schaefer said...

Thanks for the compliments. Love your new paintings!! Well done, there's a good feeling of air in this piece. I'm painting like a madman these days. I don't know what "done" is anymore! AHAHAHA!

tonypetersart said...

Hi Alex, thanks! Keep painting like crazy.

Cooper Dragonette said...

Tony, This is my first post here (I found your link through William Wray's blog)--all of them are really great, but I'm glad I got to see this piece. I think it's my favorite. A lot of mood and metaphor tucked into it. Your bridge pieces are dynamite too. Looking forward to checking back. All the best, Cooper

tonypetersart said...

Hey Cooper, thanks for visiting. Glad you like the piece!

Anonymous said...

Really marvelous...


Thank you very much...

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