Stage four
This stage shows the insertion of a version of the British flag and below the making of the flag. It is made out of canvas painted with casien.
La Verguensa
"The Shameful One"
Take Three
Ok A variety of things have taken place here. Partly because I did not take an intermediary photograph. First I abused the painting surface by splashing diluted gesso all over it. Some things got obscured. (you can see it splashed all over the t-shirt) I feel like this is an important step in the production of one of my paintings. It serves a number of functions. One it prevents attachment. Also it can highlight opportunity which can sometimes present its self because of random intervention. I find that random spatter mimics nature. In nature there is an infinite variety of overlay. This patina fascinates me. I seek it out in Art and Architecture.
Next I deepen the color and begin an experimentation on some exposed canvas which was part of the original prep of the painting surface. When I first made the surface I did not have an agenda for the canvas. It was just part of the composition. But I knew from experience that it might add to future opportunities. Bingo. It provides a foundation for the insertion of a composition of flags which is in keeping with my original idea. The British flag resembles the American flag in stripes and color but then there is some branching. Frankly, I find myself wondering why they are so similar, given that at the time our flag was developed we were not on the best terms with the Brits. I think it is an example of bad graphic fore sight.
Fabric of Imperfection
One thing I try to follow is not to get too attached to the painting as I go along. With that in mind, I add some color. Not gently or with care. ADD THE COLOR. It might not be right. Ok. Add it anyway. I want the work to have a lot of orange in it. I love orange. It is the best! So I add base colors that I think go well and Complement Orange ( in the end). At this stage I take some risks. I don’t know what might happen, but potential destruction of the piece is not unheard of. You can see at the bottom I added some random strands of PVA glue. I think this serves the function of making sure my brain does not try to predetermine the outcome and try to predict beauty. Fact is I am not sure I like it.
Culture Clash
I thought it might be interesting for some of my readers to see a painting in motion so here it is. One of my friends is a music freak. and a fan of art. He went to see the Clash when he was a teenager, and ended up hanging out with the band after the concert. They signed his t-shirt.
Wow! the Clash, can you imagine. He gave me the shirt and inquired whether I might make something out of it- Fuck yes.
OK I had performance anxiety and a gestation period of about 6 months ( I love the Clash). But I am started now. So it seemed like a perfect time to check in and share a painting adventure.
First I built the canvas which is multiple watercolor sheets glued to canvas roughly 3’wide by 5′-6″ tall. this is mounted on bamboo rods. I painted the back with gesso to give it some body and to protect against moisture. I also view this type of painting as an artifact. The gesso and canvas add to the substantial nature of this piece of art. When I am done it won’t be a delicate watercolor. More like a kick ass piece of canvas. Durable. Not requiring glass or protection. Art au-natural.
Then I sketched in my idea which has to do with a British Rock band challenging American (and British) world views on politics consumption and what ever. Admittedly vague. For me it is not important to know every detail to begin.
Always Bigger Fish- Detail
Hi viewers, Here is a detail of Always bigger fish. This painting is quite large. At 4 feet by 9 feet it represents a completely new path in watercolor for me. I intend to make this painting available in a more manageable size as a signed limited edition print. Price will be about $300. Feel free to call for other relevant details, 303-499-2099.
Always bigger fish
Your position in the universe is never really as important as you might think. So relax and enjoy yourself
Windigo
When traveling,
Keep your hands in your pockets.
La Verguensa 