Here you will find a few words, alongside the works.
Seeing Red
Colors represent many things: emotions, organizations, and ideas.
Perhaps, most passionate of these colors may be the color red. In western culture the idiomatic expression, “seeing red” is an expression of anger and rage. Whereas in other countries, the expression could hold an entirely different meaning.
Seeing Red
watercolor
16” x 24”
Are we currently only capable of understanding a fragmented spectrum?
Technical Notes:
I began with a limited palette: perylene red, hansa yellow and a violet.
Eventually, after several layers, the limited palette became more inclusive. I added a few more hues in addition to the original three colors. Having at least one staining color, I learned, was needed.
Then, summer humidity became a major issue. I wanted to address the waves it was causing in the paper. And the significant pulling off the board.
Midway through the painting process, the paper was re-stretched. This meant, taking the paper off the gator board and carefully painting water across the back of the watercolor sheet, soaking it. Then adhering it to the gator board again. I use a staple gun.
Thankfully, it dried flat without any water falling upon or touching the previously painted portion. I considered videoing the process but I was already holding my breath. I didn’t want to add anything else which might distract my focus.
For those of you who are watercolor paper enthusiasts, this piece is painted on 140 lb cold, which means it has a slight texture.pressed Arches watercolor paper.
Why Dead Birds?
Five years ago, a yellow shafted northern flicker flew against the reflection of a building. I studied its markings and painted the macabre.
Most people know the check in one’s spirit that occurs upon finding a bird bereft of life. It isn’t quite right to see something which should be inflight asleep.
In a time before cameras, Audubon shot and killed the birds he painted and studied. And now those deaths on paper are coveted collections. Audubon himself took no pleasure in these killings and said, "The moment a bird was dead, no matter how beautiful it had been in life, the pleasure of possession became blunted for me." (Ornithological Biography, Volume 1)
Death is not foreign to me. I have known it as a reality. Life holds sorrows that sometimes come too early. And they shape us. Truly each encounter is significant and holds meaning. These experiences have taught me that death and grief are not an end but rather a tender step forward.
Through these fallen wings, I observe, learn and am able to speak.
P.S. Bird strikes are a very real issue impacting our planet’s bird population.
Weltschmerz
As the pandemic weeks have continued on, I intentionally chose a background in which I could lose myself in, silence the rhetoric and find a quiet space.
The grief I have felt is laced into this one. It is easier to paint than to find the words to describe the paralysis and deep sadness I have felt. Almost, as if stuck on a dilapidated fence observing a destructive political garden party.
King Midas in His Garden
King Midas in His Garden
watercolor with goldleaf
36” x 24“
I find the myth of King Midas and his golden wish contains a few modern parallels. The bird appears to have it all, yet he still feels his life lacks luster.
Ultimately he migrates swiftly from euphoria to despair. And back again.
Beware of the man with the Midas touch.
