Visual Connection

 Drowning

16 x 20"  mixed media 

While I don't believe that all paintings are tied up in emotion for the artist, there are some that are driven by thoughts and emotion and "Drowning" is one of those pieces. This painting almost painted itself, it was so intuitive at the time.  There was emotion behind it and I feel a connection to this piece.  Of course each person reads his own personal story into a painting.  The emotional connection, memory surge, or colour way evokes a response that 'speaks' to a person and urges them to have a piece near by to complete that personal connection to it.

So if I have a connection to it, how can I let it go?  The connection was in the creation and, like an old journal, one relinquishes the hold on emotion as time passes.  Now its time for someone else to make the connection.

On Sunday, June 9th, "Drowning" will be available for bids through Artbomb form 6am - 11pm EST.  I've made it available for a special price and would love to think it will go to an individual who feels a similar connection to this piece. No, I'm not getting all artsy fartsy with it, but I know that there is always a painting that you KNOW is yours.  The one you save as your desktop screen or the one in a gallery or museum that you visit over and over, examining every detail and weaving your own story around.

If this painting connects with you, I'd love to know how and why, if you care to share, either publicly or through email.  Meanwhile, if you'd like to have this piece on your wall, subscribe to Artbomb for a single daily email to your inbox of new Canadian art or have a look at their website www.artbombdaily.com and check out more about this and other original paintings available each day.

Dead Calm

 Dead Calm - SOLD

24" x 48"  oil on stretched canvas

I've been painting on a larger scale lately, boats mostly, aside from my small paintings that are available at least weekly on Daily Paintworks.  I've also been enjoying using a palette knife in the larger pieces.

A knife allows more freedom for strokes and broader interpretation of a subject I find.  Yes it uses more paint and yes I get messy most of the time, but it also speeds up the process of painting. A painting this size 24" x 48" would take me a month or more to paint using brushes, but I can complete it in three or four days using a palette knife.

I use oil paint and no medium, except some turps to clean the knives and me! at the end of the session.   I use Liquitex palette knives which are reasonably priced, flexible and come in many sizes and shapes that allow ease of application over large areas and the ability to manouever around tight corners and for detail.

I still flip back and forth between looser impressionist work and the fine detail that pull me in and keeps my interest with traditional brushwork.  Its definitely a split personality for me.