Constructing a Painting
This piece, "Broad River in October" is so reminiscent of Autumn. In "constructing" this piece, I used more texture than I usually do, but that created very rich and dimensional results I'm very happy with.
A Blast From the Past
Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, Third Movement
Painting Music
While visiting my son Gerin, I found a painting I had worked on about twelve years ago and it still gives me pleasure as I remember the process of its creation. The assignment I gave myself was to create a series of four paintings that visually portrayed the essence of one of the most famous pieces of music ever composed: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
The only way I knew how to do this was to close the door, turn the lights out and listen to this incredible piece of music over and over and over again and (in a sense) let it take me where it wanted. I noticed minute details I'd never really paid attention to before. The third movement (portrayed here) is a very ethereal, dark, moody section. And underneath the haunting music is a sort of rhythmic framework repeated throughout the piece: 1234...1234...1234...1234...As the third movement draws to a close, it gets quieter and quieter until it is almost silent...and then it explodes into the majestic first few notes of the fourth movement.
Remembering the fun of the creation of this set honestly makes me want to try it again. Any requests???
Appalachian Panorama
Those "Special" Places
There are few more beautiful places than at the top of the Appalachians. Several years ago, we visited a place called Max Patch (about an hours drive west of Asheville) and it feels like the top of the world. It's definitely one of those North Carolina landscapes you never forget. On a clear day, I think you could see nearly a hundred miles in every direction. This oil painting (sold even before completed!) was painted to be installed above a door as "entrance art" and was based on memories of the many times we've hiked to the top of that bald and enjoyed a picnic dinner, glass of wine and Pim's (you have to have Pim's for dessert when you eat a picnic dinner at the top of Max Patch).
