Sunday, September 27, 2009

Day lillies, Green River, Cairns, Shelburne, "Eros the Bittersweet", "Why Don't You Dance?"(Ray Carver)






































When not in my studio I made frequent trips to the Green River to cool off this summer. Above are a few sketches I did while in the "woods"; some trees along the banks, day lillies and a cairn I built one really hot mornimg and afternoon.
The scene of dirt road and trees was something I did a week ago today in Shelburne; the floating figures are preliminary drawings to what I hope will be a large scale oil painting representing some of the dynamics in romantic love relationships. I got the idea while reading a wonderful book entitled "Eros: The Bittersweet". The book examines ancient Greek writing, poetry, art and traditions. The figures are floating in a dream-like environment much the way those in the grasp of Eros may feel when trying to understand themselves and the beloved in the confusing state of attraction.
Lastly, a preliminary pastel and charcoal drawing for a picture based upon Carver's short story entitled "Why Don't You Dance?" In the story a young couple driving through a neighborhood in the early evening come across a yard sale set up by a man who apparently has to sell all of his possessions. The couple meet the owner, he provides drinks, they buy, the couple dance in his driveway to music he provides and there are connections made and emotions to be understood.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Work from summer 2009 and earlier

Ink.

Ink.


Ink.


Charcoal on paper.


Charcoal and charcoal pencil on paper.


Watercolor and gouache on board.



Watercolor and gouache on board.





Watercolor and goauche on board.



Watercolor and goauche on board.


Charcoal and charcoal pencil on paper.


On October 12, 2008 I posted several sketches representing an idea I had for a painting based, in part, upon a short story by Raymond Carver entitiled "What we talk about when we talk about love". The image above, with two couples, is the almost completed piece that I was attached to with my brushes for most of the month of July. When not concentrating on that image I managed to find the time and energy to work on the other pieces posted here.