Obsessionism- The Gathering Light

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Obsessionism- The Gathering Light

January 21, 2009 by redtreetimes

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…

Posted in Painting, Recent Paintings, Technique/History | Tagged Barack Obama, Obsessionism | 8 Comments

8 Responses

on January 21, 2009 at 10:44 pm | Reply Barbara Blumer

Online this looks fantastic!!!
on January 22, 2009 at 7:20 am | Reply redtreetimes

Thanks, Barbara- Yes, this piece packs a real visual wallop in person as well. I’ll be interested to see how people react to it.
on January 22, 2009 at 4:05 pm | Reply David Terrenoire

This is terrific, Gary.

If you send it to me I promise I’ll find wall space. Even if I have to take down my “Hang in there, baby” cat poster.
on January 22, 2009 at 6:03 pm | Reply redtreetimes

Hey, I was going to keep it for myself except that it would mean I would have to take down MY “hang in there, baby” poster.

And that ain’t happenin’…
on January 23, 2009 at 6:24 pm | Reply absolutegrace

This painting is absolutely beautiful! As are all I’ve seen on your site! Awesome!! Thanks!
Linda
on January 23, 2009 at 6:27 pm | Reply redtreetimes

Thank you so much, Linda. I am so grateful for your kind comments.
on February 1, 2009 at 9:30 am | Reply okathleen

How do you know when a painting is finished…?

http://www.okathleen.wordpress.com
on March 30, 2009 at 8:01 am | Reply Heidi Rafferty

Hi Red Tree Times!

I have bumped you COUNTLESS times off of alphainventions, and until now have never had the courtesy to comment on your beautiful art work.

It really is fantastic and triggers wonderful introspection. I think I love this painting of yours the most, though. Wow, so incredibly beautiful. It is really fun to read an artist’s thoughts on what goes behind his work. Usually at a gallery, you can sit and mull and try to find the meaning. But at most it is a guess and a hunch (which I suppose is part of the apeal of going to art galleries — to puzzle out the meaning of the art in front of you!).

I really enjoy reading what you intended to convey.

Thanks for sharing with us … and by the way, where is YOUR gallery?

Best wishes,
Heidi Rafferty
Harrodsburg, KY USA