Monday, April 18, 2011

Finding A Balance

In the Pines
24 x 20
detail


I like to think that mystery plays a big part in my work- like a character in a novel. Not surprisingly, my painting process reflects this. The layers of glazes and scumbles obscure some the initial information in the underpainting and create areas of visual uncertainty. But I have also found that I crave some beauty in the surface itself- areas of deep dark mystery surrounded by suggestive passages of paint. Enough form to satisfy our lizard brain's powers of recognition but not enough to destroy the playground of imagination. It is a difficult balance, and I am always veering off one side of the road or the other.

I have had a wonderful response to the announcement of the Little Everglades Ranch Florida workshop next spring, with many taking advantage of the Early Bird Special for those who register this month! Also, just in time for summer, the online course The Painted Sky returns next month. Details here.


7 comments:

Casey Klahn said...

Both my lizard brain, and my sense of art are satisfied here. Love the colors the most.

Deborah Paris said...

Thank you Casey!

V. Deshmukh said...

Beautiful painting. You have hit the elusive balance perfectly.

Deborah Paris said...

Thank you Vinayak.

FasiArts said...

Lovely work - so serene.

Steve sculpts critters said...

My lizard brain's enjoying that painting:
Aside from the playful edges and subtle tones, it looks like an ideal hang out for spiders and flies...

Deborah Paris said...

Steve- no doubt! Speaking of critters- we found a copperhead on our driveway last week- wish you could have been here...:)!