In Paul's Wake

I am pleased to share that my painting "In Paul's Wake" has been accepted in the 2014 Illinois River Salon and will be exhibited at the Restoration of Our Rivers Conference.  I hope you can take time to see the exhibit at the Illinois River Watershed Partnership's "Watershed Learning Center" in Cave Springs, Arkansas, October 3rd through November 15th, 2014. 

This painting, "In Paul's Wake" was inspired by a visit to Spring Creek with my friend Cheryl.  Delighted by the play of light on the rippling swirling water near the bank, I decided that this would be a painting defined solely by movement, line, and color.  It is devoid of references such as trees, land, or even anything floating on the water.  How would I describe it?  Difficult.  I would characterize it as organic but linear; impressionistic to the point of abstraction; and with an eye to proportion.  I used a color palette similar to Paul Signac, thus the title.  (Always fun to play with a title.)  As was the case last year, this exhibit allows me to explore and grow outside of my genre and I must express how much pleasure it was to work on this painting.   I have noticed that upon viewing this piece everyone seems to have some type of intuitive and spontaneous reaction: a pulling in of breath, a softening of facial features, continual eye movement, a tentative smile or a slightly mouthed "oh".  It’s really quite extraordinary to watch.  And I would have to say the scan doesn't do it justice, you must stand in front of it to really appreciate it.  So thank you to the judges for including this odd painting in the mix.  

I have added another art documentary review…remember the new ones are at the bottom of the page.  Back to my brushes.  

"The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible."  - Arthur C. Clarke

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