20x20 - 2020 ...
August-01-2020
Early in 2019 I discovered a stylistic element you may have recognized.
High-contrast underpaintings that are still visible in the final picture.
In this post you will learn more about this technique and how it triggered a whole project.
In detail ...
Reading time about 4 Minutes
2018 I did a lot of research about different painting styles. Back then I've been missing a certain dynamic in my pictures. Often they seemed a bit too "graphic" in the end.
Overcoming the exercise phase, the wish emerged to present these works as a group.
Paintress friend Libby Page (you can enjoy her paintings here) already used to produce a beatuiful yearly calendar for friends and supporters.
That inspired me, so I started my own calendar for 2020, containing painted snapshots and sketches from throughout the year.
In the beginning I did some quick oil sketches in small format, executed on paper to shorten te drying time.
Quickly the pictures turned into a nice little group of works.
The tiny formate
(around 8 by 8 / 20x20 cm),
the mainly loose stroke and the strong colours result in an interesting and peculiar picture language.
Well, the printing process evolved a little into an odyssey.
New experiences were gained in digital reproduction, colour correction and layouting.
A big thank you needs to go to my lovely wife for her professional support!
This experience encouraged me in a wonderful way, that my paintings can find a sympathietic and curious audience.
In December 2019 the orginial paintings could also displayed at the Bergschloss Neukölln. Here are some impressions.
The unexpected wide response really pointed out to me, how big of a demand there is for a low level accession to contemporary fine art.
Inquiries for a 2021 calender are already starting to pile up. And Yes, there will be sequel! First pictures are finished as I'm writing this.
Charge will be 10 Euros again (12 at selected stores in Berlin-Rixdorf).
Pre-orders are accepted as of now (recommended if you are going for more than one copy). But, as usual, the paintings will stay a surprise until publication!
Pre-christmas I offered the calendar for small money to friends and fellows – with phantastic results.
Almost all copies are now turned over monthly in Berlin, Germany and even on other continents!
a conclusion
Therefore I started experimenting with classic underpaintings, which immediately led to more depth in the paintings. Along with other adjustments a more and more complex working procedure developed.
Soon I wanted to mak this process more visible to the spectator. In consequence these underpaintings became more and more contrasting and visible in the final paintings.