Painting x 2D Outcomes 4 (Final Piece, First Phase)

I've decided to use 2 canvas for the final show piece. I think this is another way of expressing a narrative, and the 'comic panel' idea. I'll be painting one large painting, but across both canvas. I hope to express a narrative, capturing different lens of the landscape, as if turning on the spot to have different perspectives (Like a small panoramic view).

I've drawn initial ideas in my sketchbook, thinking about what kind of landscape and perspective I want to show and the colour palette I want to use. I was flicking through a book I own about views and places within the Peak District, which is within an hour from where I live, being fortunate within driving distance. I saw this photo taken from Hartington in Ashbourne (Photo below). Something about the design and shape of the signal box, which was part of railway line, reminds me of a liminal space.

I used this photo to sketch the bottom left image in my sketchbook, which is what I'll be drawing across both canvas. Having a 'landmark' in my painting will give it a foundation to build on. It will be the focal point, and the landscape can be designed around it. This should structure the various elements from the onset, and create a balanced composition.

I like to imagine the landscape beyond the photo. Perhaps the path goes on for miles without reaching another settlement, and this is the only stop within the middle of nowhere. You're dropped in an unknown location, surrounded by miles of overgrown countryside. The thought parallels a real location in Japan, Seiryu Miharashi station. It can only be reached by rail, and was created solely as a viewing platform to appreciate the scenic views adjacent Nishiki river.

Whiteman, R. and Talbot, R. (2003). The Peak District. London: Seven Dials.

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Initial sketch

My painting shows a duplicate shape of a house façade. The overlap is intentional, which plays with the composition, and idea of depth. It's meant to give the suggestion of the building from an angle, but as if the side façade isn't there. The shape is intentionally vague to encourage individual interpretation through universal familiarity. What experiences does this little landscape remind you of? Either side of this building is representations of trees and other nature, to emphasize the dense and surrounding environment.

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Left canvas panel

This is my first phase of painting on the left panel. I wanted irregular shapes, so drew the tree form growing at a side angle, with some odd protrusions to suggest branches. I chose a soft colours for the background. The petrol blue/grey represents a looming storm cloud, and the pink suggests a dusk sky. I enjoy this juxtaposition, as you don't normally see them together. I'm trying to create an otherworldly yet familiar landscape that marries real with possibility.

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Right canvas panel

This is the first stage of the right panel. Currently, I really like the work just as it is, as there is still structure and a familiar outline to the piece. I like how incomplete it looks, especially as the lines remind me of painting by numbers. The marrying of painted shapes with thin, drawn outlines gives the impression of a dream unfolding, and leaves even more room for interpretation. I chose to outline the house in a dark blue, suggesting darker areas where light hasn't hit the building.

My next move will be painting the rest of the building outline, and potentially adding detail into the solid shapes.