Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Fall


"The Fall" oil on canvas, 36 x 54 inches. I started this large piece nearly two years ago, and I posted preliminary drawings here. Meanwhile, I've finished several other paintings, while I picked away at this one as a long-term project. When I initially came up with my idea for "The Fall", I wanted to include two figures in a landscape, and I had been looking at a lot of Rennaissance painting.


I actually enjoyed painting all the leaves both on the bush and the ground. The underlying theme of the piece is in part about leaving civilization and going off into nature... somewhat of a departure for me, because I'm mostly known for my urban landscapes. But painting the figure has an organic quality to it, and studying nature has been rewarding to me.


The snake on the ground is supposed to be somewhat hidden from the viewer, as it is un-noticed by the couple in the painting as well.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow Tony! Would love to see this huge piece in person. I bet its a show stopper. I could study it for hours. the dreamy background landscape, the green leaves on the bush contrasted with the dry fallen leaves on the ground before the two explorers. The snake is fantastic. Almost a friendly looking sign of nature pointing the way for these two.

Dave Lebow said...

I love this picture and its allegorical feeling. All these new pictures you've been doing are great for their mood and content as well as there technical proficiency.
I hope I can attend the new show and see them in person.

william wray said...

It was great to see this in person. Yopu powrked ypur ass off on this and it shows.

alex schaefer said...

your new paintings are really great!

tonypetersart said...

Thanks Sheila! I poured a lot of time into this one. Glad you like it!

tonypetersart said...

Hi David,yes, I've been experimenting with alligorical painting here. Hope you can make it out to the show!

tonypetersart said...

Hi Bill,
Thanks! Now if only I could paint a little faster...

tonypetersart said...

What's up Alex? Much appreciated.