Sunday, December 2, 2012

Around the Corner

8" x 10" watercolor on 140 lb.  Fabriano Artistico hot press paper
It was the geometry - the squares, the angles, and the repetitive elements that drew me in.  Although no single building is highlighted, just parts of each in this slice of the South Miami scene, I found this view (slightly modified from the real thing) strangely satisfying. It was drawn and painted (mostly) on site.


Today I will let this picture speak its thousand words (if it has that much to say) without my help.  Can you hear it?
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45 comments:

  1. Tracey LatorelliDecember 2, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    Hey, Dan:

    Very nicely done.

    I am envious of your abiity to do architechtural pieces as well as you do.

    I always enjoy watching your work. I especially enjoy your most recent posts.

    Happy painting, and happy holidays...

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 9:50 PM

      Thanks so much, Tracey. I actually started with the architecture because I was annoyed at my inability to draw the buildings correctly. I am certainly not too accurate, but I try to capture the spirit of the place. Thank you. Happy holidays to you!

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  2. MaryODecember 2, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    I definitely DO hear it, Dan! Great job on those glass panes, and the tree, and....well, just great job!

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 9:51 PM

      Thanks MaryO - the glass panes, the tree, all of it gave me the challenge of not knowing how it would turn out. Is there anything better than that?!

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  3. Cathy HoltomDecember 3, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    I like all the lines and geometrical shapes...I am in admiration as I know how difficult it is to draw a straight line when sitting on a bench or in a car!

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 9:52 PM

      Thanks Cathy - I did use some straight-edged objects to assist on occasion. The geometry of the place fascinates me.

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  4. JaneDecember 3, 2012 at 5:46 AM

    This painting makes me feel I could step right into it, and hear what those folks are saying - wonderful lines and shapes too, I can see why the view appealed. Fantastic work, as ever.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 9:53 PM

      I love that to you it seems like something is happening that you could participate in -- that is a great compliment, thank you.

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  5. UnknownDecember 3, 2012 at 6:52 AM

    Great painting Dan!
    I think this is very well done with just the right amount of detail.
    Stew.
    stewcrowther.wordpress.com
    _________________________

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 9:54 PM

      Thanks Stew! I actually try to keep detail to a minimum, but with so many things in the picture, the objects become details! Thanks.

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  6. UnknownDecember 3, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    Super clean and tight lines yet still better than a photograph the way your painting draws all the elements together.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 9:57 PM

      I was really attracted to the elements and feel the same way. I never want my pictures to be like photos. Why bother, then?

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  7. hw (hallie) farberDecember 3, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    This is really super-duper. I love the verticals of those poles.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 9:58 PM

      Cool! I felt mischievous doing those poles because I purposely broke a rule by practically splitting the field in two with the one in front. Thanks!

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  8. Celeste BerginDecember 3, 2012 at 10:47 AM

    Very nicely done! You painted this very deliberately, making every stroke really count. Great color...all so fresh! Love the inclusion of the people...Bravo!

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 9:59 PM

      I love all of your comments, thanks. It's what I tried to do, and a great compliment coming from you.

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  9. Jennifer EdwardsDecember 3, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Beautifully "said"!

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  10. JoanDecember 3, 2012 at 4:42 PM

    Loud and clear! Yes, this painting has plenty to say. I love it. The windows are beautifully done. I can't draw/paint archtecture at all...so appreciate seeing work by those who have it mastered.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:00 PM

      Hardly mastered - but I so appreciate it. Thanks!

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  11. Pam HugginsDecember 3, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    You are strongly adept at abstracted realism. It's a phenomenal skill and I suspect a natural talent of yours. It's what makes your work stand out.
    I like how the red wall gives the eye a place to rest and I could see you doing a full series on this sight for different composition exercises. Did I hear a bell ring? Ether way- it's wonderful! :-))

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:01 PM

      Pamo - You have a prescience about you, I believe. You are right. You were right before I knew you were right. I have already started another exercise based upon this view. Thank you!

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  12. SandraDecember 3, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    You just keep getting better and better.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:01 PM

      Aw, shucks. Thanks Sandra. That is the goal, and it is good to hear you think so.

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  13. UnknownDecember 4, 2012 at 2:57 AM

    Great lines and shapes Dan.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:02 PM

      Thanks. That is the key to this one, I think - lines and shapes.

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  14. ToriaDecember 4, 2012 at 5:28 PM

    Hi Dan, first time visiting your site, love your work and the stories that go with them.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:03 PM

      Thank you Toria - wonderful to have you visit!! I'm glad you like what you see and here. More stories to come!

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  15. debra morrisDecember 4, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    Fantastic Dan, my favourite part is the glass panes, perfect

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:04 PM

      Thanks Debra - that part was a bit experimental, so I am pleased they came out well. It's attention to the values I saw, I think - and forget what I think glass should be.

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  16. AlexDecember 5, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    I thought it's a photograph at first Dan, because everything looks so organic and real! Awesome drawing!

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  17. Capt Elaine MagliacaneDecember 6, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    It speaks to me... it says... 'Elaine...come over here... look at this flag perfectly draped... windless day... it's hot in Miami... and yet LOOK next to that other tree, people standing outside... must be winter... nobody would stand about outside in the Summer in Miami... too darn hot... but wait... Elaine... look ... out there in the distance those windows in that high rise... is that a reflection of the ocean there? Can't be, if it were the flag would be fluttering...' then my ADD kicked in (I'm too old for the 'H' these days) and I stopped listening and went to see what the painting said to others.... hum... it talks to me different... is that a good thing or a bad thing? Love it Dan... I like it when you translate what your paintings say to you as you paint them...listening and concentrating is very hard for old women to do you know :-)

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:08 PM

      Now, now, we Floridians stand outside, we really do. Gobs of sunscreen and mosquito repellant, that's the key. Just kidding. About the second sentence, not the first. I don't believe, Captain,that you are an old woman, so who are you talking about? I'm glad it spoke to you. I am pleased to be here to translate; I aim to serve. Thanks!

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  18. Gatepost productionsDecember 8, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Hi Dan ... I'm back posting again, at last.

    I like the clever way you cloak the complexity within simplicity. Nothing simple here though. The red square juxta-posed with the red of the stripes in the flag. The squares and windows all complimenting each other. Really nice work. I love angles and an eye for geometry and so it seems do you.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:10 PM

      John, compared to your stuff the architecture is as simple as a toddler. But I am pleased you see the complimentary elements - they are intentional, mostly, with serendipity thrown in. Thanks!

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  19. meeganDecember 10, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    wooonderful composition, love all the lines. excellent.

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:10 PM

      This is a picture about lines, I think. Glad you like it - thanks!

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  20. SadamiDecember 11, 2012 at 5:48 AM

    Hi, Dan,
    "Yes," I can hear the painting talking to me!
    All your paintings and drawings speak very well like picture book illustrations. It's really lovely that you're the story teller. It means you're a wonderful artist. Keep up good work and let it talk to viewers.
    Best wishes, Sadami

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:12 PM

      Picture book illustrations, story telling - I love that, thanks! I will keep on working. Thanks Sadami.

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  21. AnonymousDecember 18, 2012 at 8:49 AM

    Hi Dan, I can see why you are attracted to this corner, the lines are wonderful! It's interesting how the small touches of organic shapes such as the people and the tree contrast nicely with the geometric shapes. Wow!

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:13 PM

      Interesting point about organics vs. geometry. Thanks! I definitely thought of you when it became so geometric.

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  22. AnonymousDecember 21, 2012 at 7:06 AM

    Thanks for sharing such valuable information… I am very lucky see Dan's Canvas...

    artwork on canvas

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    1. Dan KentDecember 22, 2012 at 10:13 PM

      The fortune is mine, that you visited Dan's Canvas, and saw fit to comment. Thank you.

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  23. ShaliniDecember 23, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    Well, isn't that a lovely painting!

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