"August Thrush", 2010 Oil, acrylic, ink & collage on canvas, 36 x 50 1/2 inches
I tacked up this delicious big piece of new canvas one night and it was when I started to feel more at home in the new studio over time the late night swipes and slashes with the brush dipped in many a color began. With my head totally devout of any plan, what I call the “throwing stones and let it ripple” plan, I hastily jumped on the back of a new journey.
In the beginning stages it was a little Kandinsky-esque, gestural markings, saturated colors and a lot of rhythm, I loved it at that stage but it wasn’t saying anything to me, then one night I came in and painted in big black runny letters,” Cat claw fever clutch that golden ray” over the whole painting which is still a bit visible. Using bigger brushes, I started to make the larger characters on the right. I really just wanted to just feel my arms moving, my shoulders rotating, my whole body going into it more, very much wanting to take advantage of my now much larger space,Yay!
And then Hark! The three classic figures came sneaking in, but of course they did, because I’m always chasing tradition with my tail wagging like the utterly devoted dog. The children represent longing, innocence, fear, and the mother is all about strength, protectiveness, maturity and openness. All of these emotions entangled with in me, on the surface at that moment of painting. Since I can remember, when I paint birds they only signify one thing and that is freedom and it is here in the scene I imagined the bird circling round and round representing the ultimate feeling of freedom. That feeling of letting it all just simply be.
I could go on here actually because so much more is becoming visible to me but I don’t think more is actually necessary most times because it leaves nothing then to the imagination and there’s nothing quite like killing a painting with words! Most times a painting takes years to reveal it’s true colors and that is such a sacred part of painting for me. So alas! there you go, my August thrushhh! to the till!
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the colors and mix of elements – especially the bird!
I love your new work. You continue to amaze me with your talent. As I said once before, you are an innovative and energetic artist whose talent rises above your peers. I wish you continued success. All the best, Renee
Thank you Renee! You always make my day! Your words mean so much! I hope your summer was filled with blooming creativity and happiness and all is great! Always enjoy reading those newsletters too! Be well!
wonderful task you did perform here…we need to creative mind to understand this..lolz!
August Thrush amazing painting,your talent is really fantastic.you are really innovative and energetic artist.
wish you all the best.
RE: August Thrush – Thank you so much! Your comment is so appreciated!