Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Rio de Janeiro Cityscape Progress Shots

I first became interested in "Rio" when I was doing initial research of cityscape images strong enough to create a dramatic painting. While this location is obviously beautiful enough on its own, the city structures and buildings make this piece of Brazil sparkle. The giant statue of Jesus, known as Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain, has recently been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. I myself have not actually seen this wonderful example of one of the man-made marvels this world has to offer, but would love to make it there someday.

Rio de Janeiro - Most Recent Progress Shot
work-in-progress no.5
work-in-progress no.4
work-in-progress no.3
work-in-progress no.2
work-in-progress no.1
Anyways, the paintings on the left are simple progress shots of the 24"x48" oil painting panel that I am currently working on. As you can see in the bottom picture, the entire board is painted with a thin layer of, in this case, Magenta acrylic paint to warm the proceeding colors laid on top of it. Each shot progressively above shows the work of multiple thinned layers of oil colors using a combination of galkyd lite and turpenoid. In between each session, the painting is allowed ample time to dry. In person, the colors are able to shine through each other making it much more luminous than any picture I will be capable of posting online. I guess to get the full effect of my paintings, you will just have to come to a showing (lets all keep our fingers crossed that is sooner than later).

-Josh Grabowski

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

very nice!! it feels so warm

Anonymous said...

This is coming along nicely! I remember when you found these pictures when you were doing your research.

cpzona said...

I'm so impressed over the painting!
You've captured the warmness of Rio so good!
I Just love the colors you used on the picture.
I was raised in Rio and seeing that picture made me homesick. Especially with the Sao Conrado mountain. I had the same view from my window when I was a kid.