No Focus

Friday June 27, 2008

I’ve been playing around with some very open compostions lately. These are some paintings that are set aside for the show at FAN Gallery in Philadelphia. Unlike alot of my other paintings where I try to catch a specific moment and make the painting all about that, with these paintings I’ve been seeing a scene with a broader eye. I’m looking at some scenes that I walk by pretty frequently, and are lovely, but not in the way that they make a complex compostion. So instead of trying to find something to anchor the compostion I’m making the composition very simple, with essentially just a horizon line. That leaves me the job of noticing all of the small elements in a field of grass, or a flat ocean, and building the painting off that. I’m still focusing on how the light creates interest in that scene; how some surfaces are more reflective, and others abosorb light, and how the temperature of the light and shadow creates interest. Plus theres the challenge of paintings a field of mostly greens or blues, and seeing the subtle differences in each piece of the painting.

I find these paintings particularly peaceful, which I think is a result of their simplicity. With teh differences so subtle, the eye can rest in these paintings and move around at a leisurely pace.

Also if you are interested in seeing some of the work I’ll be bringing down to Philly with me, please visit the gallery’s website. There will be a mix of Maine and Philly scenes, and as I finish up framing for this show I’m pretty excited about how things are looking.

Wildflowers and Clover 28X30”

Tranquil Sea 28 X 30”

Growing Tall 20 X 24”

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