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Robert has almost completed a painting named “The Docent”. Photos will be coming.
One of the most frequently asked questions that Robert gets is “How long did it take you to paint this painting?” His immediate response is “20 years.” The 20 hours (give or take) of actual application of paint to paper does not even closely reflect the amount of time that goes into a painting. Here is what it involves: hours, days and months of searching for subject material, conceptualizing an idea, numerous sketches to refine and simplify the idea, the learning process of how different pigments react to different papers to get the effects desired. Actually there is more thinking time than painting time. Sometimes it takes several tries to get it right, especially with watercolor.
Behind the 20 hours of actual painting time is 20 years of preparation and hard work.
Forgotten Sundays
Forgotten Sundays
A new painting by Robert D. McFarland, finished today. This painting has been a challenge for Robert. He knew he wanted to paint it, but it was difficult to conceptualize. He painted it three times, the first two went into the discard pile. It kept him up at night thinking about design, getting the right colors and the name. After using a different type of paper he finally achieved what he wanted. “No” he says, “I achieved a little bit of what I wanted.” In explaining what that means he talked about the random nature of watercolor. “You have to work with the randomness of the application of paint and the outcome isn’t always what you plan for.”
Robert’s studio is filled with sketches and half done images of his latest painting. He has a vision for it and so far he hasn’t been able to accomplish what he wants. This means lots of drama for me. It means sleepless nights for him. Last night he got up at 3:00 am to go down to his studio and sketch. I hear over and over “It’s not working out….It’s not working out….” I have learned to tune him out and just murmur the right answer which is “you always say that, it will be fine” Eventually he will get over the hump and the painting will work out. There is always something “hard” to overcome first. As with everything, the harder it is, the more rewarding it becomes.
Just an update on the Robert D. McFarland Christmas Special
Bear Lake Hay Rolls, Spring Thaw, Benson Farmhouse and Cache Cows have sold. Still available are:
Millcreek $400
Arches $960
Emma’ s Shadow $975
Emma’s Basket $560
Opera Alley $1836
Theater Alley $1836
These prices do not include shipping and tax.
All originals are framed with hand wrapped linen mats, hand leafed antiqued frames and 24K gold leafed fillet.
These paintings can be viewed at www.rmwatercolor.com/originals. Please e-mail me if you have any questions, r.mcfarland@juno.com
Limited Edition Giclee prints are also still available. Prices and availability can be found on this blog under giclee prints. Giclee prints are unframed and have free shipping.
Merry Christmas! Robert D. McFarland Watercolor is having a Christmas Special from November 28th-December31st. All original Watercolor pieces from the web site are 20% off. Go to ww.rmwatercolor.com/originals to view the art.
Emma’s Basket Retail $700 Discount $560
Cache Cows Study $700 $560
Arches $1200 $960
Until Spring $975 $780
Millcreek $500 $400
Opera Alley $2295 $1836
Theater Alley $2295 $1836
Emma’s Shadow $975 $780
All originals are framed with hand wrapped linen mats, hand leafed antiqued frames and 24K gold leafed fillet. Two additional paintings (Benson Farmhouse and Bear Lake Hay Rolls) can be viewed on this blog under Christmas Special. Questions? E-mail Robbie at r.mcfarland@juno.com Prices do not include shipping and tax.
- Benson Farmhouse
- Benson Farmhouse
Benson Farmhouse
Retail $500 Christmas Special $400 Image Size 9 x 13 Framed Size 18 x 20
E-mail Robbie at r.mcfarland@juno.com. Price does not include shipping and tax.
- Bear Lake Hay Rolls
- Bear Lake Hay Rolls
Retail Price $350 Christmas Special $280 Image Size: 7 x 10 Framed Size: 18 X 20
Framed with hand wrapped linen mat, hand leafed antiqued frame and 24K gold leafed fillet. E-mail Robbie at r.mcfarland@juno.com. Price does not include shipping and tax.
Two more prints that were taken from a fishing trip. Robert goes on fishing trips not to fish but to take photos. I think he thinks he will fish, and he does for a minute or two but then becomes so enamored with the scenery that he lays down his pole and concentrates on the scenes that he will take back to the studio to paint. When he comes home his excitement isn’t for how many fish he caught, but for how many good painting ideas he has captured on his camera.
- Below Timpanogas
- Late into Autumn
Late into Autumn is 12 x 20 and $95.00
Below Timpanogas is 18 x 24 and $125.00
7 x 10 and $50.00
Check it out on www.rmwatercolor.com
