Mission San Miguel, Santa Fe 2010, oil 20" x 24"
This is another painting I began a year or so ago, underpainting in very thick oils that took a long time to dry, a technique I don't plan on using any more. But those thick oils are sure fun to paint on.
I have several sketches of this iconic building, which has at least four good views, one from every direction. It's a very recognizable landmark. I'm attracted to the character of older buildings, and this one's as old as they get here abouts. I'm getting a collection of these landmark buildings, not only for what I learn as I work on them but because I know that they're attractive to lots of people.
I started with this traditional classic view from the north, but it was clear as I sketched it that I had to have someone in the picture. The place was very busy, and three guys came by, laughing, on their way to the Indian Market. The view of the three of them together seemed quite appealing.
I prefer to put people in my pictures, but I'd like them to be people who were there when I was. I like these guys a lot just by themselves, and I've resolved to draw more people. People are like buildings, in that they have critical proportions and details that are so important in the final view.
I finally settled on this view, because of the light and colors as well as the couple who were there.
I liked their quiet demeanor in comparison to the building, not so attention-drawing as those first three guys. Her tatoos got my attention, I didn't show them to their beauty. Now there's an idea for portraits. I'm going to stay in Santa Fe for awhile longer, I have a lot of pictures of people from several Indian Markets.My next post is my oil of the fourth view of San Miguel, from the back. I was thinking of Georgia O'Keefe when I started it, but it's very removed from her painting.
