Figure It Out

Harvest Series ~ Shell Picking

I’ve been working with more representational subject matter lately, as I mentioned in an earlier blog post. What’s fascinating to me is that many viewers don’t see the figure in my work at first.

I wonder if this is because they’re expecting an abstract image from me, or is it really that hard to see? Some actually need it pointed out to them.

I see it, of course, because it’s my subject. Maybe it’s a result of the years I’ve spent painting abstractly and my focus on design, value, line and color. The figure (or subject) is important to me, but the surface, the paint, the mark-making is what brings it alive.

Harvest Series ~ Guitar Picking

You could compare it to the words of a song and the way the words are delivered. Without the music, we’re simply reading out loud.