Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.
-Anatole France
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On Monday, I showed a work-in-progress at an early stage of a painting that is bound for my December show at the Kada Gallery in Erie, PA. Above is the resulting painting, a 24″ by 48″ canvas that I am calling Many Ways to Wander.
For me, the title connects with the many paths that show themselves to the eye, from the fragmented white roads going in what seem to be several directions among the rolling foothills to the observatory’s relationship with the sun and space. There is also the Red Tree’s posture which represents a spiritual questioning of the universe. I also see it in the depth created by the distant hills and valleys, which create a sort of visual portal, representing for me an inner wandering.
There is a lot going on in this painting, with direction, color and shape. But despite this it remains a quiet contemplative piece, with a sun that oversees all and acknowledges our need to search with a cool and non-judgmental eye, knowing that each will find their own path to follow in their own way. And that is as it should be.
I’m enjoying this piece in the studio over the past few days. There always seems to be a new angle to see it from, something new to glean from the details and forms, and that seems to pull m eye to it on a regular basis. I find myself wandering in it throughout the day and I am calmed by it. And that is all I can ask of it…
Redtree Times 
From another perspective, the curve of the hills looks very much like the posture of someone facing the sun with upraised arms. Worship, or only the gesture of someone saying, “C’mere and let me give you a hug”? In any case, the word that came to mind the very second I saw this fine painting was “receptivity.”
“Receptivity”– I like that a lot. Thanks, Linda.
On Thu, Oct 23, 2014 at 8:01 AM, Redtree Times wrote:
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I love the orange sky and the blue hills…
I don’t know how wild the “yonder” is in this scene you’ve painted, but it’s certainly blue. One of the great things about “wandering” is the wealth of choices that are presented to you when you crest a hill and view a landscape spread out before you. The seemingly innate desire of the human species to know what is over the next hill has led it into every corner of the world.