This is another set of recently completed painting that might have been completed more than recently. The first one is actually the sixth one. "No. 6 A Patched Tree" is the latest in the series of paintings of trees. When complete I will have nine all the same size on panels.
No. 6 A Patched Tree - Oil on Panel - 32" X 24"
The next painting also has a tree as its primary subject. In the books by J.R.R. Tolkin about middle earth, there is a rather significant section in "The Fellowship of the Ring" about the Hobbits adventures with "Old Man Willow" and Tom Bombadil. Old man Willow had swallowed up Merry and Pippin and the only rescue was from Tom. The painting has a bit of a whimsical or fantasy feel. One viewer stated that she thought I was suggesting the look of a Dr. Suess world. Not a bad observation but it is Old Man Willow that is framed on this canvas.
Old Man Willow - Oil on Canvas - 20" X 16"
For quite a different inspiration for a painting, "Mary and Joseph" below has been painted with the same technique that I used for Slow Set. Painting 1/2" squares one at a time until a painting depicting the Holy Family emerges.
Mary and Joseph - Oil on Canvas - 20" X 16"
It is not uncommon for a painting to start off with an one intention and end up quite different, even something not imagined. Shapes, color and light fascinate me. It is what I see when I look at a scene. "Behind and Beyond" took several turns in its development and I almost gave up more than once. Yet the outcome is pleasing to me.
Behind and Beyond - Oil on Canvas - 48" X 36
Going back and painting again to create a paining very much like I have done before has been a challenge. But I realize this is something I need to cultivate so that popular paintings can be remade, although each time different enough to be an original it their own right. "Sidestepped" was a painting very much like the one below that was done in deep reds and purple reds with random light spots. "Blue Steps" was organized the same way with shades and tones of blues. The spots that look to be black are very deep blue.
Blue Steps - Oil on Canvas - 20" X 16"
When I painted "Stimulus" it was the time when the government of the United States decided that throwing a lot of money out into the masses of people would result in an economic revival. The painting was in no way a political statement, it was simply something that came out of some emotional turmoil and an unsettled feeling I was experiencing and I believe all of us were feeling to some degree. "Re-Stimulate" has a completely different story. Those that know and understand me are aware of its timing and meaning.
Re-Stimulate - Oil on Canvas - 36" X 12"
I painted "A Red Wood" almost three years ago. It was a great deal of fun working that painting into a piece of art and it received immediate attention. When it sold, it was missed and some told me to paint another one. Yet how can you have another of an original, I thought. Eventually I got over that silly thought and this painting was finished about 45 days ago in time for Art Walk Longview. "A Red Wood Too" has enjoyed the same positive reaction. Now, if that special buyer will please step forward, I might have a change at Three Red Woods.
A Red Wood Too - Oil on Canvas - 28" X 22"
What happens when I stare at a blank canvas is that I normally will cover it with some under-paint, white or other color. This time I resisted and allowed the painting to happen of its own will. A simple arrangements of curves ad twirls in yellow and golds without a hint from the title. Not to worry, there is no secret, I just have not yet been told if it does have a proper title.
Untitled Gold - Oil on Canvas - 16" X 20"
And finally for this set of nine paintings we close with "Mr. B". This is both similar and dissimilar to the painting just above. The dissimilarities are much easier to see than the similarities for you, I am sure. This painting started with a full canvas of yellow with a fair touch of red but not enough to call it orange. Then, when the under paint was dry, I simply say a part of a room that belonged very much to the bowling ball. It reminded me of a time long ago when I had an encounter with a bowling ball kind of thing that I called Mr. B for lack of knowing it or his name. Really though its a careful painting of threes. three lines to build the corner, three holes so the bowling ball can be held and manipulated as it is either carefully or aggressively heaved down the planks to the pins; and three legs with three supports. 3 -3 -3 might have and be a better title?
Mr. B (or 3-3-3) Oil on Canvas 20" X 16"
Hopefully it will not be another 11 1/2 months before we visit again. This is no way to win and keep friends in the blog-O-sphere. (Apologies to Shepherd Smith)
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