2011 #39, hand dyed wool and egg tempera on linen, 13 x 11 inches.
This new group of drawings all have central images, although they relate to the space around them differently. #39 is balanced, a white square held up by the lines of circle and triangle, its color wryly patriotic.
2011 #40, hand dyed wool and egg tempera on linen, 15 x 12 1/2 inches.
The swooping purple lines of #40 tickle the space around them, humoring the stolid green squares.
2011 #41, hand dyed wool and egg tempera on linen, 15 x 11 3/4 inches.
An open rectangle allows space to enter, as does the deep blue shape. I was inspired to use these colors by a beautiful pastel by Arthur Dove at the Met (unfortunately no good reproductions exist).
2011 #42, hand dyed wool and egg tempera on linen, 12 1/4 x 15 inches.
Lime green circles animate the space as they follow a curved line through a pink semi-circle. The lively colors made me think of old cartoons, like I thought of cartoons in my last group of drawings; then it was Wile E Coyote and Road Runner, now it's the bouncing ball sing-alongs of Betty Boop cartoons. There's something lighthearted in these these works for me; even when the composition is geometric and minimal, the materials seem casual and carefree, the slightly rumpled linen ready to float breezily away. .
I love the lightness and humor of them.
ReplyDeletelike so much, particularly the last one. Lively, funny and at the same time a challenge in it's daring colour and composition.
ReplyDeletethanks so much, Susan and Elaine. I'm pleased you see the fun of these.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ever is the last one with the little round chartreuse circles. They remind me of osage fruit. Beautiful.
ReplyDeletethanks, Lisa. I love the reference to osage oranges; the circles with their texture do look a lot like them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a handsome lot but I especially like
ReplyDelete#41. Love those beautiful dark blues and blacks.
Also that arch allows one into the space in a
particular way this time.
Myrna
This whole series is lovely, but liking Dove, I guess I too am drawn to #41. It has such dimensionality and vigor.
ReplyDeleteThanks Myrna and Julie; I think #41 may be winning the popularity contest. I never know which piece people will like so it's nice to get feedback.
ReplyDelete