Double Take: In the Studio

With "Island, Thingvallavatn", in my studio, March 1, 2012.

And here's a second version, identical except for the color, below.

I find it interesting to study what's emphasized in each one, how they feel different.

What do you think?

Comments

[Dale Favier]

Wow. Quite a difference. In the first you're on the far side of the barrier, along with your work; in the second you're on the near side, along with us, and the work is on the far side.

I much prefer the first, but I'm not sure why. The two make, for me, a somewhat disturbing sequence.

[Beth]

The first was what I intended and wanted -- it was to be about the work, not a portrait of me -- but when I compared it with the color version I thought the difference was so arresting that I decided to post both. Curious to hear what others have to say.

[Vivian]

the colour one makes it crystal clear that the art you made is essentially monochromatic. Otherwise who would know?

[Laura]

Fun to see both. The black and white one seems, on first glance, to have more contrast in values than the color one. And yet, when I squint my eyes and look, the opposite seems to be true. I associate your latest work with a somber palette and strong value contrasts... which seems appropriate, given your current subject matter. The first photo is altogether more atmospheric than the second, with you and your work reading as one presence. Really interesting to think about.

[Marja-Leena]

Both are great photos, Beth. In the first one, the art work is most important, and in the second the artist takes dominance because of the red. I do like seeing the warm colours in the artwork in the second one. I think thw question is about which is most important in the presentation. For example, you might use the second in a promotion of yourself, the artist. By the way, I love the art work - is it charcoal?

[Rachel Barenblat]

I like both images very much. As others have noted, in the first one the art leaps out; in the second, the red of your shirt "pops" and draws the eye. I like the first one because of its focus on the work; I like the second one because the red shirt makes me realize how black-and-white the work is. Nifty combination, anyway.

[Beth]

If I had been wearing my usual grey or black t-shirt the color version would have been quite different...that reddish-orange will always advance and draw the eye, and it makes the monochrome of the rest of the room so much more so...

On the other hand, there is a certain warmth in the drawing that doesn't come out in the top image.

Thanks, Marja-Leena, yes, the drawing is done in charcoal.

[mike]

The red shirt grabs and leads straight to your face and eyes. Gray hair would have been interesting, too.

[Natalie]

Oh wonderful wonderful pictures, both of you and of the drawing! I prefer the black & white one but they are both striking. It's great seeing the scale of the drawing with you alongside. There really is something Georgia O'Keefish about the drawing, but better.

[marly youmans]

Like them both, but in the first you are more unified with the drawing--I immediately found myself noticing the way the thin sweater (or shirt?) rumples where the sleeve is fastened on and at one point along the neck, rather like the folding of the earth in the drawing. And why shouldn't you be allied with the thing you have made, and human life with the land? "We are dust." So for me, I lean toward the first. Slightly.

[Lilian Nattel]

I read the comments, and then realized I hadn't looked at you at all except for a passing glance and the thought, oh nice to meet you! I was intently studying the painting and thinking about how the texture showed more in the coloured photo.

[Hannah Stephenson]

In the first, I love how you, the art, and the hanging-up plaid shirt are all of the same stuff.

[Beth]

Thanks, Natalie, and yes, hello Lilian! Hannah -- yes, that's what I like about teh b&w version too! I especially didn't want to crop out that plaid shirt -- it's a grey wool shirt that belonged to my paternal grandfather - he died at age 94 in the early 1980s - and has always been my painting/studio shirt. And the profile on the left is my mother, the artist, looking in.

[I Am Heinrich, Hello!]

I am very liking the color fotograf because, looking at the volcano island it stands out at me and also, does the lady (which is yourself) look to be not chagrined so much as the gray foto tells to us. Oh! but, this is so lovely the portrait, of Þingvallavatn and the miracle volcano top! I find you on Twitter and it is very worthwhile, yes.

[Beth]

Hello Heinrich, thank you for finding me and for leaving a comment. I'm very happy that you liked this miracle volcano top -- that's exactly how I think of it.

[Jan]

I definitely like the color best. You, the artist, should be the focus.

[Pica]

Wow, surprised by how different they are! I agree the second highlights you vs. the piece, but I prefer the first...

[Hattie]

The second shot is far more striking and thought provoking.