Monday, March 10, 2014

WINDMILL PAINTINGS


Windmills hold so much symbolism, not only in their image but also in their function.
The windmill can be a symbol of the cycle of life that is repeated. Windmills form an important element in the Danish landscape with its wide horizons, its glittering waters and big clouds floating overhead; without them one can hardly imagine the Danish landscape, which is unique in the world.

I have been doing little studies of windmills recently. I have attached 6 recent paintings that I did with oil paints. These are small alla prima (wet-on-wet) studies. The first one was inspired by Rembrandts windmill painting. I was looking at his tonal arrangement that he achieved and I tried to mimic the edges becoming lost as well as some becoming more accentuated. The feel of fading light is just beautiful on the arms of the windmill as they reach to the heavens on a desolate horizon.

On my visit to the mill in Elkhorn, Iowa recently to the Danish American Museum for my exhibit, I found a sense of harmony and peacefulness inspired by the old world windmill and the imposing modern windmills along the interstate. Windmills in their characteristic beauty and in varying circumstances of place, season, and type are truly a sight to behold. They are silhouetted giants on a timeless landscape.

Thanks
Caniglia









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