I’ve been looking at some of my work with an eye to what worked and what didn’t work, and with an eye to repainting some pieces especially those done in plein air, where time and circumstances sometimes prevent you from doing everything you might want to do had you been working in the studio. Also, I think it would be interesting to see what I have learned since each piece was done.

Also, in looking at this particular painting done pre-Covid and some others, I am thinking about a habit or proclivity that seem to I have developed for leaving unresolved areas in a painting, or I guess what you would call a vignette approach. In thinking about what I’m doing, I seem to unconsciously say what I want to say, or what tells the story of my subject, and then apparently I become satisfied at that point and I stop there. I say unconsciously because I am not aware of myself making any conscious decision and telling myself “okay, that’s enough. I’ll quit now.”

This painting was done on site during a plein air “paint out” on the grounds of Belmont, the Virginia home and studio of Gary Melchers, who was called an American Impressionist, working around the same time as John Singer Sargent. He also spent a great deal of time in Europe as Sargent did as well. He painted in several media and styles, also painting the murals in the Library of Congress.

On this day the artists were free to wander the beautiful and expansive grounds of his estate and find a spot to set up and work. I looked all around at the “fancier” spots, but then I came upon this simple back gate in the bright sunshine tucked away behind what might have been stables at one time. I happily spent my time ensconced there.

I was happy with the critique at the end of the day, but in thinking about it now, I am wondering if the tree on the right is left too ‘unfinished” in my quest to make the simple gate the star of the show.

If I choose to repaint it, what suggestions or critique can you make? Good points or bad?

It was done on a 12x16 Arches 140lb. Cold pressed block.

Also, Belmont is worth a virtual visit, or a real one if you are in the neighborhood! His studio is unreal!

https://www.garimelchers.org/gari-melchers/