As an artist, I have always been fascinated by the power of art to convey emotions and experiences that cannot be expressed in words. One of my latest painting, "Under Rocket Attack," is a deeply personal work that was born out of a harrowing experience that I had while living in Tel Aviv that was under threat of missile attacks. In this post, I want to take you behind the scenes and share the process of creating this artwork, from its inception to completion. I hope that by sharing my personal story, you will gain a deeper appreciation for my work and connect with it on a personal level.
Under Rocket Attack first step
Setting
My studio is located in the heart of Tel Aviv, a bustling city with a vibrant energy that permeates every corner. The studio is situated on the ground floor of a residential building, surrounded by coffee shops and stores. Despite being in the middle of a busy neighborhood, the studio is a peaceful retreat where I can focus on my work.
The location of my studio was both a blessing and a curse during the creation of "Under Rocket Attack." On one hand, being in the center of the city meant that I was close to the action and could feel the tension and fear that came with the missile attacks. On the other hand, the constant noise and distraction of the outside world made it difficult to focus on the painting.
Despite the challenges, I found that the location of my studio ultimately contributed to the emotional depth of the painting. The contrast between the lively, colorful city outside and the dark, ominous sky in the painting was a reflection of the contrast between the joy and fear that I felt during that time.
The physical layout of the studio also played a role in the creation of the painting. The studio is small and cozy, with a large window that lets in plenty of natural light. I set up my easel near the window, allowing me to work in natural light and to feel connected to the outside world even as I painted.
Overall, the setting of my studio was an important factor in the creation of "Under Rocket Attack." The energy and vitality of Tel Aviv, as well as the physical layout of the studio itself, influenced my techniques and approach to the painting. Despite the challenges of working in the midst of a missile attack, I found that the setting ultimately added to the emotional depth and impact of the finished work.
Under Rocket Attack second step
Inspiration The inspiration for "Under Rocket Attack" came from a traumatic experience I had while painting in my studio. It was a beautiful day outside, the sun was shining, and the weather was perfect. I was feeling optimistic, and I had planned to spend the day in my studio working on a new project. However, that all changed when the sirens went off.
The siren broke the peacefulness of the day, and suddenly everything was chaotic. People were running around, trying to find shelter, and I found myself in the same situation. The experience was surreal, and I remember feeling a range of emotions from fear to anger to disbelief. I was scared, but I also felt a sense of defiance. I refused to let the situation get to me and make me dark. Instead, I decided to channel my emotions into my art.
As I began painting, I wanted to capture the contrast between the beauty of the day and the ugliness of war. I used live colors, like pink and blue, to represent life and hope, and to provide a stark contrast to the dark and ominous sky that loomed overhead. The woman and her daughter in the painting are looking up at the sky, and their expressions are a mix of fear and wonder. I wanted to capture the feeling of being under attack, but also the sense of resilience and determination that people feel in the face of adversity.
The painting became a way for me to escape the reality of the situation and to find hope in the midst of fear. It was a way to process my emotions and to channel them into something creative and meaningful. The act of painting helped me to feel a sense of control over a situation that was otherwise completely out of my hands. I also hoped that the painting could serve as a reminder to others of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Ultimately, the inspiration for "Under Rocket Attack" came from a desire to find beauty in the midst of chaos. It was a way for me to process my own feelings of fear and anxiety while also creating a work of art that would resonate with others. The painting is a reflection of my own experience, but it is also a universal statement about the human condition. We all face challenges in our lives, but it is how we respond to those challenges that defines us.
Under Rocket Attack third step
Techniques "Under Rocket Attack" was created using acrylic paints, which allowed me to work quickly and make changes easily. Acrylics are known for their fast-drying properties, which is especially important when working on a piece that requires a lot of layering. This allowed me to work on the painting in short bursts, in between trips to the shelter during the missile attacks.
To create the vivid colors in the painting, I used a variety of techniques. I started with a white canvas, and then added layers of bright pinks, blues, and yellows. I used a dry brush technique to create texture and depth, allowing the colors to blend together in interesting ways. I also used a palette knife to add thicker layers of paint in certain areas, creating a three-dimensional effect.
In order to create the sense of movement in the painting, I used a combination of brushstrokes and splatter techniques. This allowed me to create the illusion of debris falling from the sky, and to capture the feeling of chaos and confusion that comes with being under attack. I used a variety of brush sizes and shapes to create a dynamic composition, with some areas of the painting appearing more structured and others appearing more loose and spontaneous.
Throughout the process of creating the painting, I focused on contrast. I wanted to create a sense of tension between the bright, cheerful colors and the dark, ominous sky. To achieve this, I used a variety of techniques to make certain areas of the painting stand out. For example, I used thicker layers of paint and more defined brushstrokes in certain areas to draw the viewer's eye to the focal point of the painting.
In addition to these techniques, I also experimented with different materials and tools. For example, I used a sponge to create a soft, diffused effect in certain areas of the painting, and I used a toothbrush to create fine speckles of paint in others. These small details may not be immediately noticeable, but they add depth and complexity to the overall composition.
Under Rocket Attack fourth step
Completion The creation of "Under Rocket Attack" was a process that took several days to complete. I began the painting on a day when the city was under attack, and it was a challenge to focus on the work with the constant threat of danger looming outside. I used vivid colors to contrast with the grim reality of the war, and I worked to infuse the painting with a sense of hope and optimism.
As the days passed, I continued to work on the painting, gradually building up the layers and adding details. Despite the ceaseless noise and tension outside, the act of painting became a refuge for me, a way to escape from the fear and uncertainty of the world outside my studio.
The completion of the painting coincided with a ceasefire that brought an end to the immediate danger of missile attacks. Although the ceasefire brought a sense of relief and calm, it also left me with a sense of unease and uncertainty about the future. I worked to capture this mix of emotions in the final stages of the painting, using darker colors to reflect the lingering anxiety.
In the end, the completion of "Under Rocket Attack" was both a relief and a cathartic experience. Through the act of painting, I was able to process the intense emotions that came with living through a missile attack, and to transform those feelings into a work of art that could be shared with others. The painting stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Under Rocket Attack
Conclusion Creating "Under Rocket Attack" was a deeply personal and emotional process for me. It required me to be vulnerable and to confront my fears and anxieties head-on. As an artist, I am constantly inspired by the world around me, and I strive to create works that are honest, authentic, and meaningful. By sharing the process behind the creation of this painting, I hope to give people a deeper appreciation for my art and to help them connect with it on a personal level.