Friday, September 12, 2008

Looking Outward

This is a large painting, 32 x 48 inches, and probably one of my favorites I've painted yet. I'm calling it "Looking Outward". One of two large new paintings of mine, both inspired by a quote by the famous psychologist and author, Carl Jung... "Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."

The setting is a building facade in downtown Los Angeles. When I first saw it, I imagined that it might be the old Chouinard art school's building on 3rd Street, the school that eventually became Art Center where I attended college. But this was just an assumption due to the bas-relief sculpture and decorative elements seen on the beautiful old building, on closer examination they're obviously symbolic representations of history, education, and the arts.

I found it to be an ironic scene that this beautiful old building, appearing to have once been erected to somehow glorify the arts, was now a textile manufacturing plant in the garment district... some people might refer to it as a "sweat shop". The worker looking out the window is a kind of psychological self portrait. As I worked on the piece, it became evident that the image was full of alot of personal meaning to me, this will be one of those paintings that I'll especially hate to part with.

17 comments:

Sylvia Jenstad said...

Had to stop... this is a really cool way to looking at life... a really cool painting....

Unknown said...

beautiful piece!!

william wray said...

Does have the look of a school of some kind. A ton of work here don't kow how you do it.

Anonymous said...

Wow, great piece Tony! I love your reasoning and thoughts behind the painting too; in my mind it softens the painting's hard, structural composition.

alex schaefer said...

Beautiful painting! I've been downtown a lot these days myself, I love all these old buildings, very picturesque. Thanks for your nice comments... they make me happy!

tonypetersart said...

Hi Sylvia, thanks for stopping by, glad you like the work!

tonypetersart said...

Alina,

Thanks!

tonypetersart said...

Hey Bill,

In our instant-gratification culture, many painters don't have the patience or attention span to spend so much time on one piece. What can I say... it's a labor of love and I love a well-labored painting:-)

tonypetersart said...

Alexandre Jay,

Glad you like the thoughts behind the artwork, it's what continues to maintain my interest in the possibilities of painting. Depicting realism can get cold and boring without that spark of true inspiration, something from within the image that resonates.

tonypetersart said...

Alex!

Glad to bring some happiness into your life!

David Lobenberg said...

This painting really inspires me to do a simiiar perspective myself. Is it safe for us to trade email addresses, because I'd like to send you the photo reference I would work from.

tonypetersart said...

Thanks David, I just shot you an email. Glad you like my new work!

A Reason to Paint said...

I totally understand that reluctance to part with a painting that is so imbued with personal meaning; in fact I usually hang on to them - perhaps my children will also want to hold on to them in years to come.

tonypetersart said...

Hi A.R.T.P.

It's difficult parting with a piece like this, and sentimental value doesn't always translate into more dollars. But I'm accustomed to selling my work, it's what keeps the bills paid. And a piece like this can be best used for self-promotion.

jeremie lederman said...

I think all that I can do is nod my head at this amazing painting. Well done old man!

tonypetersart said...

Thanks, Jeremie! It's been a while, hope you're doing well.

Anonymous said...

That's really amazing...

Thank you..
___________________
Andrew
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