Carnival Clowns
20th September
I have for the last three months or so been working on a painting called carnival clowns. The idea was the basis for my mask idea. I am calling the painting carnival clowns for now, until I can think up a better title that is not a bit of a cliché! The painting is on canvas, in oils and is 120 x 150cm, so it is big. I wanted to make an impact with this painting. So I have for once been taking my time with it, and actually sketching my ideas for the painting in a sketch book before committing to canvas!
The idea around the painting is the gaiety of the Venice carnival, but what is behind the masks and the colourful costume. It is about hidden identities, and what sometimes faces us when we actually take down the masks and examine our true inner self! Deep I know, but this is actually easy to write as it is coming from an entirely personal perspective. I had other ideas for this module and term, but could not think of a good enough reason or theme for the ideas and why I wanted to do them! So this idea about being unmasked and the concept of hidden identities I can identify with.
The painting has slowly progressed, I am trying to portray through the use of colour my outward appearance along with the costume. However, the masks portray different emotions and feelings that you wear on a day to day basis. I have a lot of work still to do on the masks. The image on the right, is supposed to be death, and how it is the underpinning of everything in life.
I also need to work on the tones and shadows around the ruffs and fit the hats correctly onto the heads when I have completed the masks. I am excited about this painting, and hope I can produce something that will have an impact
