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My latest Painting in Progress

Angela Trotta ThomasAngela Trotta ThomasOGR Forum Member

Hi There!

I just thought I might give you a sneak peak of a painting that I am working on for the York Train Meet. When I do a painting like this I start out by setting the trains up in my studio and photographing the scene from many directions and in different lighting  so I can better judge the best way to capture the scene during the painting process.

This is one way I work,  I also take many pictures of layouts wherever I go that may end up being the best reference for a painting. Sometimes I mix these together as well. Then I do a drawing of the scene on my canvas. Most of the time I then do a tonal one color value painting ( the brown trains on the bottom). This helps me tremendously when I get into the color. It is a long process but works well!

I plan on having this painting completed for York so please stop by my booth in Row EE- Orange Hall to say Hello and see the finished product!!

 See you in a few weeks!!!IMG_2228IMG_2231

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  • IMG_2228: Still life set up
  • IMG_2231: Painting in progress 24 x 36
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Angela Trotta ThomasAngela Trotta ThomasOGR Forum Member
MrNabisco posted:

"...photographing the scene..."

You forgot to show the photo and how the photo image is projected and traced onto the canvas... That is if you what to be honest and show the entire painting process. Unless, of course, you can honestly say and document that you actually freehand drew the locos. A photo for reference as a painting is not the same as drawing/painting from direct observation. Not that it maters to most viewers, but my trained eye easily spots the difference.

Hi Mr Nabisco, 

 I have been drawing and painting from life and observation for over 40 years. I am constantly attending workshops and actually hire models to keep my skills and to constantly grow in my work. Many of my paintings are done from straight observation as well a photographs. I work in many different ways. Many artists use photography as a reference point. I draw well and only use projection occasionally for proportion when I use multiple references, it is a standard and often used TOOL for artists, as is a brush, camera, photoshop etc.  Many master artists use these tools. An artist still has to know how to draw and paint to create a painting. Composition and value are equally important.  Often times I take artistic license and change things around to better the composition. My drawing skills have always been a main focus in my work. I do keep my trains in front of me at all times when doing these still life paintings. When I add children I almost always have models. I have been in the art world and creating art en Plein air, all prima and using photography as reference for many years. I don't know an artist who doesn't. I would welcome you to watch me draw freehand anytime as I would never have to apologize for my drawing skills. I often do seminars where I draw from life as well.

Timothy SpragueTimothy SpragueOGR Forum Member
MrNabisco posted:

"...photographing the scene..."

You forgot to show the photo and how the photo image is projected and traced onto the canvas... That is if you what to be honest and show the entire painting process. Unless, of course, you can honestly say and document that you actually freehand drew the locos. A photo for reference as a painting is not the same as drawing/painting from direct observation. Not that it maters to most viewers, but my trained eye easily spots the difference.

wow, what a mean spirited reply.

But just to ask, what has created your "trained eye" ? I've been in the arts for 30 years and can see some abnormalities in the perspective. Some would say that gives it the artists' "style", yet others would say is clearly the "documentation" you say is required for you.

Tim

Rich MelvinRich MelvinOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Angela, I am so glad you responded to MrNabisco's boorish post. I was going to delete his post, but by the time I got here to do that, you had already put him in his place. Nicely done.

MrNabisco, my "...trained eye..." tells me that you are a typical internet troublemaker hiding behind the false anonymity of the internet. Before you insult another icon of this industry as you so unsuccessfully tried to do here, you might want to focus your "...trained eye..." on a mirror some time. That's where you will find the problem.

FM Former Member

I have always thought they were free hand, slight peculiarities in perspective and proportion gave it away for me. I know a couple of painters that use the projected technique and their work is wonderful but it has that perfectly scaled and proportioned look. I'm not sure my trained eye would publicly criticize  anyone's technique for whatever reason. What a classy response, kudos Angela

E EMLOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

It's great that you can see past the caustic few to the rest who appreciate your efforts and skills.  There is a film out about the theory that Dutch masters used a form of camera obscura to get the detail they were able to produce.  There were multiple sub artists and students and assistants to renown artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.  Artists such as Marc Chagall hired lithographers and artisans to carve his sculptures.

The process may be interesting but the beauty and emotional impact of the result is what captures our imagination and our attention.        Illegitimi non carborundum.

Angela Trotta ThomasAngela Trotta ThomasOGR Forum Member
EML posted:

It's great that you can see past the caustic few to the rest who appreciate your efforts and skills.  There is a film out about the theory that Dutch masters used a form of camera obscura to get the detail they were able to produce.  There were multiple sub artists and students and assistants to renown artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.  Artists such as Marc Chagall hired lithographers and artisans to carve his sculptures.

The process may be interesting but the beauty and emotional impact of the result is what captures our imagination and our attention.        Illegitimi non carborundum.

That is all true, artists have always used every tool possible to accomplish their work, but the bottom line is the artist must have the ability to bring their vision to reality, and that takes skill and years of practice. Thanks so much for sharing!!! 

Angela Trotta ThomasAngela Trotta ThomasOGR Forum Member
OGR Webmaster posted:

Angela, I am so glad you responded to MrNabisco's boorish post. I was going to delete his post, but by the time I got here to do that, you had already put him in his place. Nicely done.

MrNabisco, my "...trained eye..." tells me that you are a typical internet troublemaker hiding behind the false anonymity of the internet. Before you insult another icon of this industry as you so unsuccessfully tried to do here, you might want to focus your "...trained eye..." on a mirror some time. That's where you will find the problem.

Thanks so much Rich! I enjoy being part of the O Gauge family and am so happy to be able to reach so many nice people through the forum!!!

Angela Trotta ThomasAngela Trotta ThomasOGR Forum Member
OGR Ad Man posted:

Angela....let me add that I too am glad that you answered "MrNabisco" in a very positive and professional manner!  In this particular case I think the "trained eye" might be wearing a patch at this point!...  Not only are you one great artist, you are a top notch classy lady too!!

Alan

Thanks Alan, At times people don't really understand what other people do and that there are many ways of accomplishing certain things so sometimes an explanation is needed.

Angela Trotta ThomasAngela Trotta ThomasOGR Forum Member
Matt Makens posted:

I have always thought they were free hand, slight peculiarities in perspective and proportion gave it away for me. I know a couple of painters that use the projected technique and their work is wonderful but it has that perfectly scaled and proportioned look. I'm not sure my trained eye would publicly criticize  anyone's technique for whatever reason. What a classy response, kudos Angela

Thanks Matt, Often times I use many different references in one painting so it would be impossible to project an entire painting. My interest has always been the importance of conveying an emotion.  I want things to be accurate I am much more focused on the feelings that are felt when these paintings bring back cherished memories.

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Tags: EE, York Train Meet, Seaboard, process, Lionel Trains, York, still life painting, GG1, Santa Fe, Painting in Progress, Lionel engines, painting, oil painting, Orange Hall, Union Pacific, angela trotta thomas
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