anonyrrie: Soaring

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Soaring

Soaring
18" x 24" x 1" mixed media on wood panel


Caged Bird

Some believe there's somewhere in the brain
that senses minor fluctuations in the Earth's
magnetic field and uses a sort of memory
of that to travel the same route year after year
over thousands of miles, over open ocean
on moonless, clouded nights, and a built-in clock
that, save for weather's influence, tells
when it's time to go. But they utter nothing
of thwarted dreams in birds' brains, how
a few cubic feet near the ground, however
well-kept and lighted, however large it seems
around a small bright bird, is like a fist
closed tight on feather and bone, how, certain times
of year, the bird's heart races as if to power flight.

- Matthew J. Spireng
(originally published in Inspiration Point from Bright Hill Press and Out of Body from Bluestem Press at Emporia State University)

I am posting yet another not-quite-finished painting. It's a large version of a small painting I did for one of the Journeys books that passed through my hands many months ago. Although the colors and values look different, in "real life," it's actually quite close to the original painting. I just stink at taking photographs of my paintings!

35 Comments:

Blogger steve said...

It looks gorgeous again Carla and the photo urned out quite well (yeah, I hate when I don't have access to a scanner--mine at home, broken). I really like thet dark secton separating the mountains from the grass--it seems to suggest mystery. I also think of turtles and how they've forged paths across the land and water over thousands of years, and despite buildings and roads and traffic, they still try and instinctually follow those paths.

6:44 AM  
Blogger Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Really nice work! I love the dark curve in the middle. It adds a lot of mystery.

11:00 AM  
Blogger Nicole Florian said...

Magical atmosphere, just beautiful!

1:45 PM  
Blogger studio lolo said...

This is even quite lovely unfinished! There's already a lot of depth and mystery to this. And I soooo love the quote you've chosen for it. Nice Carla!

2:16 PM  
Blogger Robert McLaughlin said...

Hi Carla,

I love this painting and prose. It reminds me of one of my favorite movies, "The Winged Migration".

Photographing paintings can be very difficult. I used to do it about 15 years ago. The main problem is with reflections on an uneven and shiny surface.

Sometimes its just not possible to eliminate the reflections.

4:41 PM  
Blogger carra said...

Dreamy and intriguing! I just love your art, and how you combine it with poems. Keep up the good work, Carla!

And I know what you mean about photographing paintings... :P

6:51 PM  
Blogger Random York said...

Color! Gorgeous!

10:16 PM  
Blogger valerie walsh said...

really beautiful Carla!

10:26 PM  
Blogger milanrubio said...

Peaceful and quite illustration, I like it.

7:00 AM  
Blogger Liz Jones said...

Ohhh... I love where this is going!! And that poem.
*sigh*

9:43 AM  
Blogger andrea said...

I love how the texture of the wood gives it a vibrant feeling. I can hardly wait for the final version.

3:04 PM  
Blogger Bearuh said...

this is how it works, if you would like to join please give me your email and I will invite you to join! Then you will have permission to post on the blog which gives you a chance to win the award.

3:22 PM  
Blogger creativelenna said...

Carla,
I love this, especially the colors in the grass . . . . just yummy!

3:38 PM  
Blogger Andrea said...

The colors are gorgeous!

5:27 PM  
Blogger trowbridge chronicles said...

The trees and the meadow have a magic glow to them. My friend, Doug Jones (Jonesapalooza) taught me a word today that describes your painting. It has effulgence.

Come on over to Mrs. Trowbridge's cottage and help her celebrate her 50th Anniversary. She's giving away one of her drawings to one of those who comments.

11:47 PM  
Blogger kglaser89 said...

the colors and tones in this picture are beautiful! very nice work

2:29 PM  
Blogger Debbie said...

this is so enticing, the colors pull me in,
I can see the female figure cradled above the dark layer..
always love your stuff!

2:39 PM  
Blogger Tony LaRocca said...

I think I read somewhere that whales have photographic recall memories that extremely realistic recall, so they can pass the time on long voyages. Beautiful work.

6:54 PM  
Blogger Ces Adorio said...

Carla, I love how you use the color purple in your paintings!

8:49 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I've been watching the birds in my yard and still find it amazing to watch the migration. A few weeks ago the juncos were still here and it seemed like over night they were gone to be replaced by stripped sparrows and soon the oriole's. And if I'm lucky to catch a rose breasted grosbeak passing through going north.
I often imagine soaring with the birds and feel their energy each spring.
I'm looking forward to seeing your finished piece. You have a wonderful start and great evening colors.

11:45 PM  
Blogger Ian T. said...

According to some, it's because our ancestors were flying lemurs... hmm, your picture brings it all back :).

1:13 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

lovely!! beautiful blend of color!

1:43 AM  
Blogger isay said...

i like the moon and what a peaceful evening atmosphere.

2:50 AM  
Blogger Michelle Lana said...

love the purple sky!

10:23 AM  
Blogger arvindh said...

beautiful ! love the colours!

12:21 PM  
Blogger Susan Tuttle said...

Gorgeous Carla! This is really coming along--I can't wait to see the finished product!

Susan
xo

4:36 PM  
Blogger kj said...

carla, i don't know if you know this or not, but i've longed to for you to paint a landscape! so i am so excited to see this.

i think you capture both nature and mystery in your landscapes. more please?

xox

5:29 PM  
Blogger georg said...

Beautiful fairytale mood! The grass is very pretty, I think! Yes, it is fantastic, how birds find their ways.

6:30 PM  
Blogger Susan Schwake said...

beautiful carla! your words and your painting inspire me always. your insight to painting is a marvel too. after having your paintings in my hand i know more of what i see on the screen. they transend mere computers!
enjoy the nice weather!
xo
susan

8:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Outstanding! Dreamy. Love your style.

2:25 PM  
Blogger Merisi said...

Your painting looks so beautiful already, and the story about the caged bird's sense of memory is so sad, breaks one's heart thinking about it.

4:50 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

i'm consistently mesmerized when i visit your blog!

11:22 PM  
Blogger Leeza Hernandez Illustrator said...

It's beautiful carla, as are all the other paintings., My absoulte fave is kiss the Sky — if you ever sell that one, please let me have first dibs!

it's amazing how much you have grown, even from a year ago. Almost like you are taking more risks... the depth of texture is incredible, I'm really digging it - Bravo!

Thanks for stoping by, and sorry I've been such a flake lately.
:)

10:16 AM  
Blogger Colorsonmymind said...

Another beautiful painting.
I love the purple hues.

1:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, a color difference indeed and then colors often are seen different on different PC's etc ... so, one better doesn't worry about it (this is theory, I often wrestle with it too :-)

Like this painting very much, Carla, as I like every one of your paintings, it is just a perfect match.

5:00 PM  

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