Susan Tyler From Tyler Studio
Well, I hope that I am back on track….so to speak. Last month I was not able to send out my blog as scheduled due to some health issues. I am glad to report that I am doing well and am back in the studio.
About 3 weeks ago I was able to start this painting. It is from a photograph that I took last fall when this locomotive came through Jewett (just down the road from us). This locomotive was a working engine that traversed the Rocky Mountains in the 1940’s carrying materials and supplies up and over the mountains. It is massive and you have to be there to appreciate its girth and strength. It is known as Big Boy #4014. When it pulled into the station, I felt the same thrill (deep down in my solar plexus) that I get when I watch a band march by playing the National Anthem or America the Beautiful or watch the Blue Angels fly over.
We spent about 3 hours watching Big Boy pull into the station, get serviced by a troop of rail workmen and pull out for its nest destination- Palestine, Texas.
The entire experience made a big impression on me and I knew that I would have to paint a scene of the event or 2.
I was drawn to this scene because it showed the stark difference between the blacks, greys & silvers of the engine against those brilliant yellow safety vests. It is tempting when painting something like this to brighten the photograph so that you can get every detail just right. My approach to the painting though, was to keep the dark areas dark and obscure. I was careful just to paint the values and shapes as I could see them. I did not worry if each and every gizmo was clear and well defined. I wanted the viewer to let their imagination complete the painting. Just as in real life the workmen and vests “popped” against the cold dark engine.
I have a couple more images of this wonderful experience that I am considering painting. I will keep you posted.
In the meantime, stay well, and wash your hands.
www.tylerstudio.org
Don’t forget to drop by Glee Gallery, 2217 Market Street, Galveston to see some of my work. Check out my web page for a more complete look at a gallery of my work. If you are in the country, stop by the studio at 3828 County Rd 318, Centerville. Call first 409-771-8371. I would love to see you. Susan
