Stage 03.1 – Reworking The Sky

The element of reality is as fundamental to Cardnell as the canvas is to the existence of a painting. That which would be seen in reality, especially in terms of linear perspective, is one of the many elements of a work over which the artist may study and deliberate for hours on end. This is true not only of his works, but also of those of masters of the past. ‘The Essential Vermeer’ is the most authoritative site for fact-seekers on the Dutch master, and Cardnell’s research has been cited in the website’s article on the evolution of Vermeer’s perspective. Cardnell’s research, which was done over 15 years ago, now forms part of the documentation on Vermeer in the world-renowned Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Interestingly enough, with Cardnell’s research having also been published in International Artist, he received some aggressively negative feedback from Vermeer ‘experts,’ who tend to be staunch defenders and protectors, often without justification, of their own research and opinions on Vermeer’s work. More interestingly, though, is the Rijksmuseum’s acceptance of such research – Cardnell, just like any smart historian and researcher, leaves it up to the objectivity of the museum to decide who qualifies as an ‘expert.’  

Cardnell: As part of this Stage I have begun to rework the sky.  It is such a large area that it gave me a stiff shoulder covering it with a more detailed layer. The large cloud mass has now been broken up a little towards the top of the canvas and better represents that which would be seen in reality. Working in this area really has started to add depth to the composition, which from my perspective is very pleasing.  I will be moving on from the sky to begin work on the two clumps of mangroves in the next couple of days. I overpainted a graduated blue sky for the non-cloud areas.  Quite scary initially, but after a lot of effort it worked out quite well. I will be repeating the exercise in Stage 04 to attempt a perfect transition between top-to-bottom/left-to-right.