Sunday, April 25, 2010

Sanibel Dream

Sunsets have been a favorite subject in my paintings ever since I first picked up a brush. And there are few places in the world with sunsets as spectacular as on Sanibel island in Florida. This piece offers a play on Rothko's color field technique to describe the essence of a sunset.

Sanibel Dream, acrylic on canvas, 16"x20", $150.00

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Joyous Sport


This playful piece is inspired by the kite festival that takes place in many parts of India during January. Most of the country has crisp cool and clear blue-sky days which makes it a particular joy to watch hundreds of colorful kites.

Indian kites are made of sticks and paper which makes then especially light and capable of great speed when aloft. This is probably what explains the skill with which flyers compete with each other. The objective of the contest is to cut another kite free using precise control to slice across the competitor's string! During the kite festival cut-off kites can be seen floating all over the sky.

Jamghat, Acrylic on canvas, 18"x24, $100

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Next Stop

On the way back from Shanghai, I spent a few days in India as I do about every six months or so. Part nostalgia, part dread, and the rest of it anticipation, the trip is never dull. India is especially tough on travelers. Vestiges of old-fashioned bureaucracy and a plethora of ad hoc methods for running a massive country leave even the locals befuddled. Only those who get past this toughness get to savor the grace and charm of an ancient culture striving to integrate the most modern of influences.


I am always struck afresh by, and this is the inspiration for this posting, the progressive degradation of the environment that keeps moving apace and is more noticeable to me on each visit. Ruined Earth was done using the same technique as in several previous pieces (which I am calling the Meditation Series). Layers of thick and thin paint led to the final effect which aims to represent a tarnished sheen through which rays of brightness break through. Even these appear to be but dying embers waiting to be finally extinguished.


Ruined Earth, Acrylic on canvas, 16"x20", $150