the fall shows
I brought this painting of Brandon to his parents, who had commissioned it, and they were thrilled. I still have a bit of work to do on it, but I'm glad with the progress, and pleased that the parents liked the work.
It has been said that every portrait, painted by the artist, is in fact a self portrait. Perhaps moreso this painting, even though it is a portrait commission of another. It's as if the tear, the peering into the unknown, the look on the face... is somehow the statement of all the wonder within me. I'm created, I create, I ponder creation. To be alive, life, what a fascinating circle.
During the making of this painting, I felt like I was in dialogue with Rachmaninov, that he was saying everything I was trying to say. Please click on the following, to hear his Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, op. 18, adagio sostenuto. Though I wouldn't want to bastardize the visual piece by saying the painting needs the music, I do enjoy them together.
Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto No.2 in C Minor, performed by Lang Lang
Please come and see my new works at the upcoming Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibition. It is this Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, from twelve to six, at the corner of 10th and University Ave. For details-www.wsoae.org
The following weekend, I'll be exhibiting my new works at the Gallery North Outdoor Art Show. It is Saturday and Sunday, the 10th, and 11th, from ten til six. For details- www.gallerynorth.org
day two
Today, I put a lot more lead white paint in the flesh areas, allowing the thick, opaque paint to create light on the canvas. Beside this heavy paint is very thin washes of turped paint in the background. The heavy paint reflects light, and the thin coat of paint absorbs it- this contrast creates depth. But when I put all of that heavy paint down, I lose the form bit. The reason why I will allow such a buildup of paint, is because I want the painting to be as dynamic as possible. Bright lights, dark shadows- the wider the range, the more octaves on the piano, the more dynamic the tune. This is especially important in this painting, where the light is as much the story as the object.
