Green With Envy

The evolution of my splatter paintings continue.  Thankfully is does not take millions of years and yes, I am a creationist and think Darwin while brilliant, was wrong.  These paintings started over 30 years ago in an attic studio with sheets nailed up to keep the mess down to a minimum.  My very first splatter painting was made with watercolors and a spoon so you can imagine that "over spray" was a real issue.  Today I have switched to acrylic washes and much more subtle ways of applying the paint to the watercolor paper.  I control the shapes of the "splotches" with air from a straw.  These paintings are very cathartic to me and I thoroughly enjoy the hunt for all the creatures among the splatters.  I have also begun to experiment with various background effects.  The green background in this painting was created with a sponge.  I am hoping to one day create a super sized version of these paintings but with all of the detail it could take a while to complete.  In "Green With Envy"  The disembodied eyes represent the human element (us) traveling though the chaos of life (the splatter creatures) and trying to find contentment with what we have instead of wishing for what other people have instead.  This can be a real effort and the struggle can leave us weary as represented by the partially closed eyes of the traveler.  I hope you, my reader, have found peace and contentment in your journey through life.

Mainstream Effect

Here is a piece that I just finished last night, Dec 27, 2010.  It is called "Mainstream Effect" and is a simple exercise in line and color.  This painting is acrylic on masonite and it measures 36" x 48".  There is no sub-story to this painting.  (Well there is but it is an inside joke so I will keep it to myself)  It is only meant to be colorful, vibrant and hopefully stimulating to the senses.  As you can see, this is not my normal style.  What I learned from painting this piece is that it is difficult to "let go" and let the brush strokes and blending stay organic.  As much as I wanted to keep it loose, I found myself smoothing, straightening, adjusting and so on.  As an adult it is difficult to color outside of the lines.  So perhaps this painting is a message to grown ups (Grups for you Star Trek fans) that sometimes we all need to loosen up a bit and not be so demanding of ourselves and of our friends and families.  Lighten up and remember that love and beauty are not found in perfection, but in our ability to see beyond our imperfections.

Converging Issues

Converging issues is a 3.5 x 7 ft. acrylic painting on masonite.  Although this painting is minimalistic in detail and texture it still makes a bold statement in its composition.  There are two faces in this picture, one is masculine and the other feminine.  The two faces are merging (converging) and they each share one eye and the mouth.  The Jungian psycholical theory of the anima and animas would be one approach to viewing this painting.  This painting is part of my personal collection, however, I would be happy to repaint it and prints are available.

Bi-Polar Disorder

Here is another painting from the mental illness series.  This one is a study of what used to be called "manic-depression".  You can clearly see the merger of brightness into darkness here and the many images (Critters) in the background can represent fleeting thoughts or mental imagery.  The brain is a mysterious organ and its workings difficult to understand.  I certainly do not claim this understanding but here is an attempt to visually represent some of its workings.  I will say that the process of defining the various critters in the background was very cathartic.

Fibanacci Sequence 2 - SOLD

This piece is the second in a series of  "green" paintings I created using recycled/renewable materials.  The frame was made out of wood reclaimed from old cabinetry pulled out of a home during a kitchen remodel and the canvas is an old shirt stretched over the frame and primed.  (Look closely and you can see the buttons and pockets)  While the painting is truly expressionistic, you will find that it contains symbols representing the first eight numbers of the Fibanacci sequence, a mathematical series also know as the "golden ratio".  While I will let you look up the details yourself, it is evident that in God's creation of this planet and all that is on it, that He used this sequence repeatedly.  This ~10" x 18" arcylic painting was sold at the "Art for Haiti Exhibit" at the National Street Gallery in Springfield, Missouri.

"The Dark Place" - 14"x18" - Watercolor on paper - Framed - $225.00 SOLD

The facial expression and dark muted colors of this piece help to create the "feel" I was looking for to express the struggle many people have with depression.  This is one many paintings from my mental illness series.  It is matted in all black which enhances the effect.  This ~8" x 10" watercolor is sold but still on display in the Hammons Hall fall exhibit in Springfield, Missouri.

Age of Exploration

One of my favorite concepts is that of discovery.  Whether it was the adventures of Lewis and Clark, Magellan or Columbus, the excitement of exploring new places never seems to fade.  As a child and now as an adult, I am still curious and searching for new discoveries.  Look closely at this painting.  The explorers have a look of determination and if you look at the details you can see why.  There are many creatures lurking in the background just waiting to be identified.  This ~15" x 20" acrylic wash on watercolor paper is currently on display in the Hammons Hall fall exhibit in Springfield, Missouri.