Hebridean Heights and Hazards

Many thanks indeed to all 66 good folk who bothered to look at the 'first edition' of this painting. I have now posted the 'second edition'. The former version was taken last night, using artificial light, which did not represent the painting 'as done' (at least in this splasher's view). The new version, taken in natural light, is much fairer to my splashing, and shows much better melding of tones on Ben More. It is also sharper because of the strength of natural light. (I now find it more or less impossible to change a version of a painting on SN - the system has suddenly refused to co-operate. So deletion and reposting is the only soulution.) Particular thanks to 'Harris Donald', Alan 'Scorcher' and Edgar 'Beaches' for taking the trouble to encourage me in my wayward splashing. Indeed, Edgar, you can be assured that I have paddled in these waters many times. On the last occasion, I had my daughter's dog with me, and he saw a seal not so far from the shore. So, being an amphibious hound, he decided to investigate, whereupon the seal produced an effortless dive, and reappeared some distance from the dog. This form of what I called 'Hide and seal' went on playfully for about fifteen minutes, until the dog decided that the seal had the advantage in submergence skills! I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the dog. As I said to Alan, seals to us Hebrideans are 'royal', as they are said to be 'the children of the King of Norway under spells'. So, in this case, the 'Clansman' is indeed being given the royal Seal of Approval! All the very best, Donald.

That's good to know that seals are considered in such a way in that part of the world. I liked the touch of the seal watching the world go by!

I like your 'splashes', Donald as there is always life and movement in them. There are so many paintings around of harbours, beaches even built up areas that look as though they have 'just come out of the box'. No seaweed or flotsam etc, not even a 'wiggle' for a gull. they look as though all evidence of us untidy humans has been surgically removed so as not to spoil the perfection of the scene. Harbours crowded with boats, but 'everyone's gone to the Moon'.Keep it up Donald and thanks for sharing.
Jim

Thanks so much, Sister Eleff and Jim. When I was trying to complete the painting, I wondered how I could 'resolve' the perspective and the 'message', and get it to 'work' as an overall presentation, so to speak. Then I thought about my friends, the seals, and how they sit, and, as you say, Sister Eleff, 'watch the world go by'. As soon as I put the seal on the rock, I knew the painting was complete, apart from some tonal adjustments. My 'splashes', such as they are, are about the 'dynamics' of the maritime world and Hebridean seascapes, with the ship or boat as an ever-present entity. The question/driver for me, however, is not about having every rivet of the ship in place; it is about how the ship 'relates' to the world around it, what it does, how it is 'seen' in the context of hills, mountains, rocks, seals. So, as Jim says, my work is not smoothed to the point of being 'clinical' - I let it stand as it comes, because that, to me, is how life is. 'Life and movement'....exactly, Jim, and it's a 'movement' that is ever changing, depending on light, shade, storm and calm. I also tend to use darker tones, as here, because Hebridean life to me is not a 'holiday'; it's about maintaining a presence, maintaining communities, in very challenging cir***stances. Sometimes the weather is magnificent, the scenery glorious, but it is not 'Tir nan Og' all the time, as some artists would have us believe, with their perfect sunsets and spotless harbours! There are dangers all around - like rocks for unwary vessels, but these same rocks are a delight to the seals! I have to say that this painting looks very convincing from a distance - just what I wanted it to be, with Ben More immediately recognisable. More to come, as I try to get the Hebrides, as I see them, into colour! Fast painting, 'splashing', gets things out of my system. Many, many thanks to you both. Most gratefully, Donald.

I agree to certain sentiments expressed but it would be a sad day if we all painted in a similar manner be it Splashers, Scratchers, Scribblers and even people working at arms length! Clinical scenes have their place especially if one is trying to show details as to how something's been built or depicting an area where the ship is in harbour or sailing. Putting it in simplistic terms, we all paint in the way we either can, or wish to especially deriving pleasure from what we're doing ----- viva la difference!
regards
Edgar.

I agree 1000%, Edgar! Takes all kinds to make art! Even Splashers who can't land the paint on the board with any degree of precision, and then try to justify their failings as some sort of virtue! (-: (-: (Jester) There's a slight element of 'subversion' in what I write! The fun of SN is seeing the different approaches of so many artists. Glorious. All best wishes, Donald.