Last year I visited this steel making facility. It is only 8 blocks from my studio here in Pittsburgh and I didn't even know it existed! It is tucked away in an industrial area close to the river. The management was great, allowing photography which I have used for reference. For obvious safety reasons it would be impossible to paint inside the plant. The painting above, done just this week, is about the extreme heat in the foundry. Unless you are standing there it is almost impossible to describe the experience. The white hot molten steel flies out everywhere and illuminates all surfaces with blazing warm color. I've tried to create a painting that shows how it felt. It is not like anything you see outdoors. That is why painting a scene like this is such a nice contrast to working from the cool light of day. I also like the idea of documenting the steel making heritage of this city– an era that is quickly slipping away.
9 comments:
What an amazing job you did on this painting! My father used to work (welder) at the Cyclops Steel in Titusville PA, I believe it may have been a sister company to the one you visited, if yours is located in Bridgeville near Pittsburgh. We were able to go on a tour there one year and your painting reminded me so much of that time.
This is fabulous. Seems like you painted with light! I trust you weren't actually that close.
Success! I feel the heat right in my studio. I just took some photos of Bethlehem Steel in Steelton this past week --I couldn't get past Gate 2, but still got some possibilities for a painting--I kept hearing the line in Bruce Springsteen's "My Hometown",.. and they ain't coming back.
Nice painting, Ron
My gosh but this is fabulous, Ron. The sparks shooting, the old fashioned looking tub...your words on our losing these piece of history...It all comes together to make this one phenomenal painting that speaks to my sense of nostalgia. Wonderful!
Excellent! You do an incredible job capturing the state of Pennsylvania - both inside and out!
The energy jumps off the painting at you!
Drama & fireworks.
I like the light and energy here. And also that you can work big! What week and booth number are you at Three Rivers?
This is so full of light and life - beautifully done, Ron.
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