This is a painting that I finished yesterday while the inauguration of President Obama was unfolding on the television. I am tentatively calling this piece The Gathering Light although I was considering something to commemorate the day. I was thinking that the paint strokes in the sky represent the gathered populace yesterday in DC and the central figure, the Red Tree, represents President Obama. Perhaps the fields and houses in the foreground represent the rest of the USA watching this event take place. I guess even with that interpretation, the title The Gathering Light is fitting. Yesterday was a gathering of light.
I consider this a painting in my Obsessionism category. That really describes the state of mind that takes over me when I work on this type of painting. There’s a degree of focus and immersion that is different than on other pieces. Also, the way the piece unfolds before me is different. It takes shape much quicker and more spontaneously.
This is a 30″ by 40″ canvas so it’s a pretty good size piece which makes the strong color really pop. I am keeping this in the studio and constantly re-examining it to make sure that it’s as strong as it can be. I find that this extra time with the Obessionist pieces is invaluable because it takes me past the period of infatuation with the color and composition and allows me to develop a more objective view of the painting. But for now, I am pleased with it…
Redtree Times 