Splashing Paint

[Richard Robinson]

"Clutha River, Wanaka" - 30x24" - Acrylic on Canvas - Painted in the studio.

The underpainting.

Painting the original 10x8" study in Wanaka.

Had some real fun with this one - actually flinging globs of paint at the canvas from my hands, using brushes, rags, palette knives and fingers to build an interesting texture. My basic premise for slinging paint at the canvas like that (besides the pure joy of it) was to emulate the kinetic feel of the poplar tree - doesn't it look like a big yellow explosion in the photograph? Great fun. I felt it could have done without the writing on it, which was requested for the commission, but hey, still looks ok. The text and drawings are excerpts from my painting diary which I wrote at the time in Wanaka.

[David Taylor]

I really enjoy your work richard. You truly are a great inspiration for me. Just wish i had the scenery that you have in your part of the world to paint. The light just seems amazing. Keep up the good work.
All the best David

[Marie Pinschmidt]

One should never try to exactly imitate a photograph with paint. Photographs LIE! I just finished a portrait of a bride and groom. It was started from a professional photograph taken outdoors at midday. When the bride came for a setting, I immediately saw the changes I'd have to make. The bright light had washed out many of the facial shadows - like the one between the lower lip and chin. Although my rendition was true to the photo it was not a good likeness of the subject. I put in the shadows where needed and obtained a TRUE likeness and everyone was happy. One must use "artistic license" in rendering a painting - just the way Richard did it - do a little plastic surgery on the landscape - take out all the warts and wrinkles. Happy painting everyone.

[deborah a weaver]

Love the bright, vibrant colors of this painting!!!

[diane boucher]

If I could end up with art work like that with as you say such explosion of colour I would be slinging paint continually. Love it Richard. Have just returned from Wanaka and parts south with some truley beautiful winter studies in my camera. Can't wait to have a paint. Must be careful to leave that photgraphic detail out though.Such a trap for me.

[Marie Pinschmidt]

Well, that's one way to do it! I've used sponges, knife, and etc. but so far I haven't flung paint at the canvas. Years ago one of my inntructors saw me struggling with the colors of a horizon sunset; he ran his forefinger through the red, yellow and purple on my palette and with one stroke created a beautiful sunset. It's important to throw caution to the wind occasionally. I'm glad you had fun. The painting is great.