ROBERT J. KRAJECKI
  • Home
  • About the Artist
  • Watercolor Paintings
  • Oil & Gouache Paintings
  • Demonstration Paintings
  • Patterns
  • Books
  • Classes, News and Events
  • Contact
  • Bob's Blog
  • under construction

March

3/1/2014

0 Comments

 

Left brain-Right brain

Modern science indicates that the left and right hemispheres of the brain serve different functions. The left 
side predominates in logic, math and planning. The right side is for communication and creativity. 
To be creative without the left side of the brain working is like playing the lottery. Sometimes you win but most of the time you lose.

Planning a painting without using the right side of the brain becomes very static and predictable.
The artist must use both sides of the brain to achieve a well-executed, yet fresh and unique painting.
Picture

On the way to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, crossing over a bridge, I noticed many cars parked along the side of the road. Curious, I stopped to investigate.

A well-worn earthen path led me to this scene to the left of the Vermillion River. A dry summer left the water shallow and moving very slowly. From the many photographs I took that day up and down the river, I decided to paint this view.

The first step involves the right brain. I happened to like the reflections in the water, and the the three youngsters fishing added an interesting human element. But I felt that it needed more color. The green trees were just too green, so I decided to move the season forward to create more of an autumnal feel.

Picture
Starting the painting, the left brain predominates. How do I paint this in transparent watercolor? Painting background to foreground, trees were the first wash.  Large to small, light to dark, etc. all had to be thought through.

Working with gravity, I got the paint to flow where I wanted it. Salt was added to randomly create some texture—both  right-brained touches. 

Picture
The dark earth and rocks of the river bank were painted next reflecting into the water. The reflections of the trees into the water required the left brain to remember that the lights get darker and the darks get lighter.

Picture
To complete the painting, a combination of left brain and right brain thinking was required. The figures were added with transparent and some opaque paint.
How much detail (subjective and right-brained) and where to put it (logical and left-brained for good composition) were constantly at play.

The finished piece works because I took advantage of knowledge and experience balanced with the joy of painting.

http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_test.htm
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    August 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    May 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    April 2015
    January 2015
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013

    Categories

    All
    Art
    Krajecki
    Painting
    Watercolor

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About the Artist
  • Watercolor Paintings
  • Oil & Gouache Paintings
  • Demonstration Paintings
  • Patterns
  • Books
  • Classes, News and Events
  • Contact
  • Bob's Blog
  • under construction