True to my word, here's another nugget I dug out.
The big red shape at the top reminded me of an umbrella and I began to discern a lady striding happily along through the puddles.
With a few lines digitally drawn in using Photoshop, I emphasized the shape of the umbrella and woman. Turns out she's a black angel come to earth to sample the weather. See the wing shape I outlined on her shoulder? And is it my imagination or is she being followed by a big white French poodle?
- Does anyone else see what I see?
- Do you prefer the painting with or without the drawn lines to suggest the figure?
- Now that I've shown you the umbrella-toting angel, can you still view the original image without seeing her?
I hope wherever you are, you're having a heavenly week, no matter what the weather.
Neat! Once you see the figure, it's very difficult for the mind to go back to not seeing it. I think I prefer the first image without the lines.
ReplyDeleteI once attended an art therapy workshop where the Jungian analyst had us work making abstract collages with tissue paper. Then we would look at our work - turning it in every direction to see what our unconscious was revealing to us through the work. It was simply amazing to discover images within that related to our current or past issues.
Looks like you are doing your own art therapy with inspiring results!
I definitely like the umbrella top without black lines. the angel is fun and yet seeing her influences how i see the first image. not sure which i like "best." both are lovely.
ReplyDeletelots of rain here too.
I See your work and... the poodle too. Love it ! (the work... and the poodle).
ReplyDeleteI never see 'things' unless pointed out but in this case the umbrella and woman are a standout. When I clarify I usually go too far and this is a good place stop. The surrounding area stays very abstract and there is a wonderful rushing feeling in her body position...I like!
ReplyDeleteNo once I saw her there was no going back... she's here to stay. very cool.
ReplyDeleteArt is like an imagination puzzle game.
Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteI guess I've been undergoing years of Jungian analysis through my art work without realizing it! Since I started painting in a more abstract, intuitive manner a decade or so ago, the method you describe is mostly my approach to art-making. I look for clues, persons, animals, symbols in the marks and textures and bring them through, so to speak. Sometimes I really do get an insight into what's percolating in my subconscious, though I haven't yet discovered the meaning of life.
sukipoet,
ReplyDeleteNice that you can appreciate both versions. I agree, I should have been a little more subtle in drawing the umbrella ribs. I think the second version ventures into the realm of illustration...a fine line to tread, or splash through. I hope some sun comes soon to dry up the rain for you--and the spring flowers.
Ötli,
ReplyDeleteSo pleased that you can see what I see, and the French poodle est ravi de joie d'être apperçu (ouap ouap!).
Blue Sky Dreaming,
ReplyDeleteYet, it's good to know when to stop and not turn a painting into an illustration for a children's book, unless that's the intention, of course. I love to discover hidden images in a seemingly abstract composition. The mind just grasps for something to hold onto, unless one can let go of that and sit at ease with the feelings that a painting evokes. I like the fact that the woman rushing through the rain is obvious to you. But if I hadn,t mentioned her, I wonder what you would have seen. We'll never know now!
Gwen,
ReplyDeleteToo bad it's not like the two vases/two faces image where one can shift one's vision from seeing one or the other. Art is like a puzzle, yes. Some of it comes with all the pieces that must be set in a very particular order; other requires a compass or guide book; and perhaps the most challenging is that which requires the participants to feel their way through it to arrive at some sort of understanding or appreciation. For the artist, I guess making art provides some sort of self-revelation. Never having thought along these lines before, I'm just puzzling it out here. Thanks for the inspiring thought.
When your subconscious reveals the meaning of life to you ... please share! :)
ReplyDeleteAt first it looks like a market stall lashed by wind and rain,the awning about to be blown away.But of course when the figure is pointed out she is always there.I prefer the abstract simplicity of the first.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a heavenly week too!
Ruby
Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteYou're on my mailing list!
Ruby,
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a great action-packed scenario you've drawn. I think it probably is more fun for the viewer to make up their own stories and explore their own feelings for an abstract work. More breathing space and room to explore. But it's also fun as an artist to assert one's own vision on a piece.
What was that old Stones song... ? Sweet Black Angel ?
ReplyDeleteOwen,
ReplyDeleteOkay, this time you've really impressed me. I had completely forgotten about that tune--and in fact barely know it, though it rings a vague bell-- and had to look it up on You Tube. It got my toes a-tappin' on this rainy day morning. Thanks for that!