Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part V)

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~ Norval Morrisseau Painting Technique Analysis
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by SpiritWalker2008
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"Many times Norval Morrisseau would not finish his art pieces with thick black outlines... As described in this 'You Tube' video presentation he would sometimes start with black background and with consequent layers of paint until completion of the painting. This is just one of the attempts to analyze different painting techniques of the great Canadian master Norval Morrisseau.
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Note: This video has been compiled after detailed inspection of the painting being presented.
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Meegwtech,
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Spirit Walker
/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com/
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>>> Reference postings:
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part I),
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part II),
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part III) &
- Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part IV).
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* The painting in this 'You Tube" presentation: "Christ My Savior", 24"x20", © 1980 Norval Morrisseau /Private Collection/
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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

How did you learn that Morrisseau started paintings using black backgrounds SW?

06 May, 2009 20:33
Spirit Walker said...

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I inspected several paintings including one that had not been completed which have clear indication of the artist painting black backgrounds first rather than completing the paintings with thick black outlines as commonly beleived.

This was more an exception than a rule. He was a genuis who loved to experiment and this was just one of the painting techniques he liked to experiment with.

More of different painting techniques to be presented on the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG soon.

Meegwetch, SW

07 May, 2009 03:21
Anonymous said...

Really? Is the painting that you inspected that wasn't completed for sale? What did it look like?

You say that you also inspected other paintings made with this technique? What made you suspect that they were originally painted black? How can I tell if he started with a black background on mine?

07 May, 2009 14:13
Spirit Walker said...

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No, the painting that had not be completed but signed with Cree syllabics is not available for sale. It is in my private collection.

I did not suspect that mentioned painting was originally painted black - it is quite obvious. The painting in question is untitled (A Merman with Fish Headdress surrounded with Power Circles) which will be presented on the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG soon.

To evaluate if your painting had been started with black background first could be only determined upon close examination in person. Feel free to send me several digital high resolution images of your painting and I will tell you my honest opinion.

Keep in mind it is not always an easy task to determine if a painting has been painted in a certain way by Norval Morrisseau...

Meegwetch, SW

07 May, 2009 17:56
Anonymous said...

Actually it is very easy to determine which layers went on first - just backlight the canvas.

07 May, 2009 21:09
Spirit Walker said...

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Backlighting the canvas can show you a lot, I do agree... but can only show you up to the certain level... sometimes it is just not an easy task.

Most of the times unfinished paintings give more answers when it comes to the painting techniques than finished ones which is also the case of the "Merman" painting that will me presented on this platform very soon.

Meegwetch for you contribution and interest, SW

08 May, 2009 01:18
Anonymous said...

This is not the first time I have seen a painting done with the black background done first. I have owned a painting that was done like a shadow first, then had the colours applied. Norval was one that loved to experiment with the art in general and never followed one direct style. A true genius, thank you for sharing this painting with us SW,

best regards,

Aaron

08 May, 2009 14:35

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