Thursday, November 4, 2010

"Blue" by Michael LeKites




New life for an old friend.
I originally finished this painting in 2001 but was never satisfied with it. As a result, I never really did anything with it either and kept the painting hidden away for the past several years.
The last few months I've been thinking about revisiting it. Today, since I had some time off from work, I finally did. After about 8 hours of painting I think I've finally brought some new life into this piece.
The original version is displayed at the bottom. Acrylic Approx 24x30.
http://michaellekites.blogspot.com/

4 comments:

Dianne Lorden said...

I do agree the painting pops better and has more life and depth in the re-work. I've painted re-enactors several times and always started out thinking, wow this is gonna be a nice piece, only to end up disappointed.
I don't know what it is. Maybe too high expectations for what is essentially an interpretation of an interpretation? Thought provoking. I'll post one of mine.

Cecelia Lyden said...

Great pull and tension in the composition with the soldiers and tent leaning in opposite directions and the rope pulled taut. The color, especially in the grasses, sky and tent is more vivid in the top version. I do, however, appreciate the weariness expressed by the drab coloring in the old painting, especially the tent. Bottom line for me--I like them both.

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

I think the extra bit of warmth that you added really pushed this up to an even higher level. The weary expressions on the faces are what really make this another exceptional painting from you, Michael. So glad you took this one out of hiding!

Mary Beth Brath said...

Funny - I really like both versions. Your work was very well received this year in Gettysburg. Congratulations.