In all my years of painting with oils- and there have been a lot- I have skillfully avoided the exercise of painting a black and white painting. Those who are familiar with my work will realize that I am quite a color lover. I love to mix color on the palette. I love to blend colors on the canvas. I love everything about creating color harmonies that are balanced in tone and intensity. I love using color as a language of expression.
However earlier this month I decided to challenge myself. I chose a black and white family photo that has always fascinated me. These are Norwegian- American gymnasts- one of which is an ancestor. The photo is probably from the 1920s I am estimating.
When I first began this painting I sketched it out on the canvas, then started to fill in with the appropriate tones. Early on I got really bored and was ready to abandon the project. Keith insisted that I finish it. I’m glad I listened. Once I had built up enough oil paint on the canvas I got really into painting in black and white. I liked especially painting the nuances on the rocks. I may actually work in black and white again. It’s good for the seasoned painter to go back to basics once and a while. Also I am going to hang this one in my house. I ended up really happy with the piece.