Text by Vic Midyett
Shirley wanted to paint an older-style fishing boat. The painting I’m titling “Disappearing Boat Reappears” (15" x 20") has changed about ten times. The boat appeared, then disappeared and appeared again four of five times. The background kept changing too. At one point she got a wet rag and washed away most of the painting.
Here are two versions, an earlier and a later – the later is signed in the lower left corner:
To help you compare them, here’s an animation alternating the two versions:
Look closely to see a few sea gulls above the boat:
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| Detail from the earlier version |
| Copyright © 2016 by Vic & Shirley Deane/Midyett |
Vic & Shirley, the use of an animated GIF gave me an idea:
ReplyDeleteHow about photographing Shirley's next painting at various stages of its progress? I could create an animated GIF with as many stages as you had photos. Might be interesting for all, including the artist and her husband <smile>
Besides, I need to do animations more often, so that I don't forget how to do it. It took me an hour to figure it out (again) in Photoshop.
Great idea! I think watching a painting in progress would be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for seconding the idea, Sharon!
Deletevery nice work, Ms Shirley...sometimes i take pics along the way as a painting evolves, but when finished, i always trash the intermediates...not enough space in my universe
ReplyDeleteSusan, maybe we could do an animated GIF of stage images of one of YOUR paintings...
DeleteThe photos should all capture the painting with opposite edges as close to parallel as possible.
I liked both paintings but I like the happy picture of the two of you the best.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for your thoughts and comments. Much appreciated. This is Vic. (- it's easier to get forgiveness then permission. You'll see what I mean in a moment.) First I need to explain Shirley's painting protocol or creative method.
ReplyDeleteI would be beaten to an inch of my life if I was to take a picture or even look at her progress while in creation. She ONLY gives me permission near or at the end when I slide up to it on my belly in grateful submission. ha!
Naturally, I exaggerate. But the result is the same. She will NOT allow me to look at and DEFINITELY NOT photograph the birthing of any painting. I would have to do it on the sly, but would obviously be found out and I'd die without having written my epitaph.
However Morris, it is a truly excellent idea and perhaps can also be used in other areas of publication too.
Well then! Please convey my apologies to Shirley for even thinking of the idea, let alone suggesting it – if she was appalled. If not, then no harm done, especially because I'm confident that you know of the love I harbor for you both.
DeleteOh my! Morris - no way she is appalled!!! She simply keeps all her energy inside when she births a painting. That's it - no more. She agrees, it's a great idea, but not for her. That is ALL. My response was written purely from my funny bone and not reality. We take the "micky" out of each other all the time. It's one reason we love each other so unconditionally.
ReplyDeleteI am SO relieved!
DeleteIs my sense of humor REALLY that difficult to "get"? I would very much like to know.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, for humor to work, there has to be some substance to its allusions and allegations....
DeleteI see that i am quite late, by about 8 years to be precise, But i must say after stumbling upon these articles i do indeed find them quite ravishing. they are not the most interesting stories but they are real and they are someones life and i find that truly exquisite and genuinely enjoy to read them.
ReplyDelete