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ADDED on 08/22/07: This watercolor accepted into 11th Annual Art Center of Esters Park’s Line Into Shapes Exhibition, Sept. 21-Oct. 7, 2007.
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Parkway Present - Detail
Parkway Present – DETAIL – Watercolor by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

As my favorite band instructor, John P. Day, used to say, “From the top, one more time!” (See previous entry)

This piece is a reminder to myself that to find subject matter, one does not have to travel to far away places with strange sounding names; nor does every painting have to be the work worthy of a postcard. Parkway Present, had its beginning much like most of my current work, as a small three-value sketch done along the banks of the American River Parkway.

Using the sketch as a guide I did most of the painting outdoors. Some time later, I continued working on the painting in the indoor, studio environment. Eventually, I reached a stage where I felt the painting was complete. However, due to what I call personal “art baggage,” I felt a need to fill in the white, negative area at the top of the painting.

“Art baggage” can, at times be positive and/or negative. Here, the “baggage” is the negative connotation that a painting with a large amount of white space is often considered, by lay and professional art critics, as unfinished. It is interesting to note that white space is sometimes referred to as negative space.

Like many artists, I like white space. I think it creates a certain positive tension, particularly so in this painting. I like the simplicity of white space. Besides, having had some prior sign painting experience I can appreciate the white, or empty space between or around things; letters, for example.

Luckily, I decided to hold off “finishing” Parkway Present. After some contemplation, I have decided Parkway Present. is as “finished” as it’s going to get. I like it. I’m posting it. Spaces white, save them with all your might!

Some related quotes in favor of white/negative space:

“There must be an open space in the paintings – an entry space for the viewer, or even for me. Just white space where you can get into it.” – Norbert Bisky

“Chinese brush painting emphasizes space, not busy-ness. Rather it’s about simplicity.” – Nancy Chen

I like the idea of blank spaces and that they get filled. I also like blank spaces that are allowed to be. Some kind of creative tension arises from the nothingness. – Sandra Geller

“Sign-painters have the automatic advantage of painting the positive while being aware of the negative. That space between the letters has to be of a consistent visual weight. – “Tony van Hasselt

“Without negative space how would we appreciate the positive in our art and in our lives?” – Dyan Law

“In my pictures there are tiny forms in vast empty spaces. Empty space, empty horizons, empty plains, everything that is stripped has always impressed me.” – Joan Miro

“Spaces between the forms, or the negative shapes, play just as great a role as the positives and they enable you to check the accuracy of your drawing. The positives make the negatives and negatives make the positives”. – Stan Smith

“The hardest thing is to make this little space for yourself where you can think and not get inundated with other stuff coming in.” – Catherine Yass