Freedom of Expression in Arts
Dr Abe V Rotor
A Field of Lilies
The painting looks elaborate. I used cotton string (No. 20), soaked in latex paint to create these lily-like figures. The string is made into a series of loops, then pulled downward. The technique is not new, it is used in art lessons in school, only that I modified the technique by first painting the background. The streaks were formed by narrow paint brush and palette knife. A bit of pointillism was applied to create a natural effect with weeds growing all over the field.
Rock Pool
It looks like an aerial view of a meandering river meeting at certain points to make it appear like a rock pool, typical in estuaries in actual scenes. I used palette knife, semi-hardened latex paint for the relief effect, and surplus plywood in lieu of canvas. Much of the work was done with fingers, and patchwork with stones and pieces of wood.
Lahar Rocks
Actual lahar rocks are mounted on solid wood with transparent glue, over a scene earlier painted and allowed to dry. In reality lahar rocks do not float, even if they are porous. I simply took advantage of the contrast provided by a blue background that appears like moving water. Lahar flows like mud and becomes silt, unless it solidifies in the process of volcanic eruption.
A Pair of Parakeets in Camouflage
Watercolor effect is a result of thin mixture allowing colors to settle down slowly, In the process secondary and tertiary colors spontaneously form. Gradual fusing of colors creates hues that have a soothing effect to the viewer. There's one precaution though, too much smudging may ruin your painting.
Dicot Leaf Venation
Study the venation of a dicot leaf, and you will find it more complex than the mythological labyrinth of the Minotaur. It is because there are no clear passages, no entrances and exits. The network is contiguous and irregular. Now, how can you make a maze in a painting? Sandwich thick pre-mixed latex paint between two plywood panels, compress, then separate them evenly. Now you have two surfaces bearing the relief of leaf venation. Dry with heat gun to fix the patterns. Proceed in painting the two surfaces in the usual way. Be sure you heighten the network pattern as shown in this painting.
Banaoang Pass, Santa, Ilocos Sur
(Minus the old Quirino Bridge)
It's an old concrete wall at home, the outline of hollow blocks visible after a layer or two of latex paint. It was in subsequent paintings that I was able to hide the unsightly impressions. How? I used a pair of metal palette, the one used in applying masilla (primary coat). As I continued I found it exciting to use paint brush and fingers to create the relief effect, with the view of my favorite landscape always in my mind. This work remains unfinished to this day. I resolve to finish it after the rainy season. I hope.
Allegory Cave
It's a cave of Plato, the Greek philosopher. Can you tell the story? The cave is a symbolic representation of how human beings live in two worlds, contrasting reality on one hand, and our interpretation of it, on the other. These two ideas reflect the two worlds in the story: the world inside the cave, and the world outside. The story goes further. In the cave you only see shadows, moving shadows from the outside world, and not having a clear idea of what life is outside the confines of the cave. One day, one of the "prisoners" found a way out and saw how beautiful the world is, and how happy and free people are. It is what we call the phenomenon of enlightenment. But the "enlightened" fellow never went back to tell his companions to share his experience, and ultimately to help in leading them out. This is where the philosophy of the great Plato comes in. What is humanity? What is education? Brotherhood? Compassion? Social responsibility? Mutual Understanding? Peace? I made the façade of the cave colorful and inviting. Would a newcomer dare to enter, but for what purpose?, Art leaves us dumbfounded, innocently ignorant, and quite often, amoral and indifferent. Plato built the first university - the Lyceum - which stood as the epitome of learning for centuries and many generations, until it fell into destruction by no other but the hands of man.
Shipwreck
Not yet. But look at the painting again, longer this time. It is like waiting for Salvador Dali's melting clock hanging at the edge of a table soon to fall off. Art makes you anticipate the consequence. And the more tragic it possibly is, the more you are glued to your seat. Imagine yourself in the precarious situation. The more the artist in you rises to the challenge to capture the catastrophe. Study movement in the painting - the direction and force of water and wind, the anticipated inevitable crash against rocks and old lighthouse itself, Here you ask, of what good is this lighthouse?
Hidden Pond of Monet
It's almost a copy of a Claude Monet's masterpiece, save the isolation of the scene beneath thick hanging vegetation. Otherwise, the landscape could have been bathed in glorious sunlight. It is in the last years of the artist that, in spite of failing eyesight, he could still use his vision, for ultraviolet light waves. For which he was considered famous for his ultraviolet and ultra blue paintings, as he was already known for his vibrant and peaceful paintings in his younger years. How far did I capture the Monet's Effect in this painting? It's a far cry.
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