Yin-Yang

[Richard Monro]

Mike,
After looking through this thread the thought came to me that if the symbol is important, why does it have to be on the wall. Why couldn't it be on the hat or the jacket? If the colors were subdued and the values properly chosen it might make a very nice accent without being overwhelming. Just a thought to throw into the mix as I know how frustrating this type of thing can be. Best wishes for a successful resolution.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Mike, I favor Richards idea and would place the symbol on her hat above the ear in very subdued values. Sometimes less is more and I think the symbol in form as wallpaper shouts "Chinese Restaurant". But then again, that's just my take on it and you might surprise me.

[Mike McCarty]

Richard,

That's another interesting possibility.

It may be that the best solution is to just put the energy into the subject and forget the symbol. I was seduced (not a difficult task) by the large compelling wall sculpture, maybe it's best not to disturb the delicate balance.

Enzie,

It's been a while since we walked that Pacific beach. I have fond memories of that trip, and competition that you so ably organized.

[Kimberly Dow]

Mike, I spent a little time fiddling with this...and came up with nothing good. Just wanted to pipe in that I cant wait to see what you come up with. Your initial drawing is wonderful.

[Mike McCarty]

Well that does it, if the West Texas flash can't figure it out it should be left alone.

I'll call it "see, speak, hear and cook no balance." How is that painting coming along by the way.

[Kimberly Dow]

Originally Posted by Mike McCarty

I'll call it "see, speak, hear and cook no balance." How is that painting coming along by the way.

I havn't touched it since December or January I think. I had to take a break from it for commissions and now Im afraid to touch it again. So there it sits. I have about 6 paintings in progress and it's getting out of hand. Been taking all sorts of reference photos for when I move and wont have my favorite models....but I get all excited and start a new one after each session - even though I have so many to finish. And they are all on different supports so it's a different painting style sometimes. I'm just confusing the heck out of myself with too many paintings. I think my favorite part must be starting a painting. I will finish it though. (I think I can, I think I can)

[Chris Saper]

Kim,

I am interested that you have multiple projects going on simultaneously! If I tried that, you would only be able to visit me at the institution every other Sunday betyween 2:00 and 2:15. AM.

You might share your processes in the Creativity - Time management thread ,as I think many members would be interested.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Thanks Mike, I had a great time too. It is always wonderful to get together with people who have the same interests and are great company.

Just look at all this brain storming going on about where to put the yy symbol! It is so interesting to hear about all these different ideas.

[Ant Carlos]

Hi Mike,

is that the final proportion of the whole picture (in your drawing)? With the hat cropped? By the photo I found the top of the hat too interesting to be left out. What size the painting will be?

Ant

[Mike McCarty]

Ant,

For the composition of the drawing that you see, on a 20 x 16 inch canvas, the head would be approx. 7.3 inches.

As I look at the full photo image below, it seemed to tall for a head and shoulder painting. And when you include some space (not enough shown in the photo I think) above the top of the hat it becomes a little top heavy. I think if you were to go down to the waist and include the arms and hands the full hat would look more proper. My thinking was that there was enough of the hat left to be fully explained.

Thanks for the look, I too enjoy these compositional puzzles.

You can compare them below.