Thursday, May 14, 2009

Wedding in France, detail

Today just a small unfinished detail of a larger painting I have been working on for several days now. I was commissioned to paint at a big wedding that took place at a beautiful mansion in our neighbourhood. After two weeks of constant rain the day of the wedding was the most perfect day one could have wished for - bright sunshine, not a cloud in the blue sky and warm.
For me it was the first time I painted in public and although I was a bit nervous before, it turned out to be no problem at all. I actually enjoyed having guests coming up to me, chatting and interested in what I was creating. They were all concerned about my wellbeing, offering me drinks and food, as I was painting from 11 o'clock in the morning until 9. 30 in the evening, when it got too dark, with only a ten minute break for a sandwich. I was trying to get as much on the canvas on site as possible. Yet, there is still a lot of work to do on it - there were 140 guests! I started with the background and then sketched in the seated party once they had all sat down in the early evening. Now I am into the details. I will post other details as I progress.

Wedding in France, detail by Liza Hirst

oil on canvas - Öl auf Leinwand - huile sur entoilé

8 comments:

Aliaena said...

What a beautifu, rich, challenging project Liza! Will be looking forward to seeing your work unfold on this one. Already can see lovely light and colours.

Aliaena said...

And wonderful composition!

Roxanne Steed said...

Liza - this is WONDERFUL & Delightful!!! I look forward to seeing the final canvas! :-) The new owners will be thrilled to have this in their lives!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

I just love the light, the abstract quality, the feeling of a special occasion in this one. It's perfect right now. Can't wait to see where it goes. My goodness that was a painting marathon. And I guess it continues to be. Good for you!

xoxoxoxBarbara

Peter Gander said...

Beutifully busy, reminds me of a Monet. ;) petergander.blogspot.com

Liza Hirst said...

Yes, this is a painting marathon, as Barbara put it! The most timeconsuming and difficult part seems to be putting all the bits and pieces of the people in, in a way that it works. I think once I have that it will be easier adding the touches that define the light and make it come alive. Its fun!
Thanks for all your comments!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

very Gutsy! I think the finish is fabulous. It has a great sense of light!
I admire your courage in painting ALL DAY at the wedding.

Anonymous said...

The finished painting is amazing but when I found you painted it from life I was truly awed...painting a crowd is really to me the greatest challenge one can attempt...WOW!