(^16) http://www.InternationalArtist.com
Finalist
ART CHALLENGE
Stephanie Schechter Rhode Island, USA, State Police, oil, 22 x 24" (56 x 61 cm)
My Inspiration
To me, vintage signs carry significance
beyond the words on their surface.
These landmarks represent local history,
community, design and manufacturing
trends, impermanence and obsolescence. In
addition to these cultural meanings, I find
beauty in both hand-painted typography
and the sculptural quality of signs. I have
a deep appreciation for the artistry and
craftsmanship of the sign maker.
I spotted this remarkable sign for State
Police Troop D while driving through
Danielson, Connecticut. I was taken by the
contrast of the sign’s subject matter with
its delicate, decorative form. I sensed that
the shape of the sign, the ornate support
bracket that frames the sign and graffiti-like
shadows cast by its neon would create a
compelling painting.My Design Strategy
I took dozens of photos of this sign from
multiple angles. When I returned to my
studio, I selected the reference photo that
I felt created the most dynamic composition.
Working from that photograph, I created
a drawing—cropping, editing and adjusting
in order to create an impactful image. As
in all of my work, I chose to eliminate rust
and texture, opting to focus on form. Every
element included in the image is intended to
enhance the composition and direct the eye.
The result is an idealized portrait that reflects
what I find most powerful about this subject.My Working Process
For each painting, I spend many hours
developing a precise foundational drawing
that resembles a technical engineering
drawing. I have found that a highly resolved
drawing makes the painting process easier
and more successful. Once the drawing iscomplete, I transfer it to the substrate and
begin painting. My approach to painting
combines hard-edge technique and carefully
blended transitions. I apply paint slowly and
meticulously, without masking. I eliminate
visible brushstrokes, aiming to create a
texture-less surface. Since it takes multiple
layers to achieve full opacity, I mix and
store large batches of each color to avoid
matching issues. More detail and refinement
are added with each subsequent layer. I pay
close attention to value and hue in order
to maximize the appearance of three-
dimensionality.Contact Details
» Email: [email protected]
» Website: http://www.stephschechter.com