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Gully

6/25/2020

8 Comments

 
"Gully" acrylic on wood panel (plywood, uncradled), 18" x 14".  Available here and at Artfinder.

​They cut out her heart, and they left her dead, in a gully, for the forest to swallow.   - Neil Gaiman, Snow, Glass, Apples

​In preparation for the coming month of seascapes with the amazing Pauline Agnew, (I know, I know, Pauline Agnew this and Pauline Agnew that...what can I say?  The woman is that good) I decided to work on a large self-portrait of sorts and get the figure out of my system for a bit (as if that's possible).  Still focused on capturing emotion, which isn't always smiles and malarkey. 

Simultaneously, I received my copy of the Neil Gaiman graphic novel adaptation of Snow White and was gobsmacked by the art, the twist on the story and the depth of emotion captured in the book.  Perfect timing for an angsty portrait and a week of feeling a bit stuck in the gully.
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Gully
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This piece began as a paint over - a little green gold mixed with gesso over what was a very dark painting.  The odd geometric shapes of the gesso underpainting were an interesting way to begin.  Continuing with paint pens and more gesso, creating a form to be inhabited by the portrait.  Many layers of acrylic paint and acrylic paint mixed with medium for glazing.

And now that this one is finished, I can spend a month by the sea (well, kind of sort of) with my toes in the salt water...or, erm, paint. :)
8 Comments
Carol Edan link
6/25/2020 12:13:36 pm

You captured the emotion vividly! A ray of optimism with the yellow patch you left. Leave her behind and head for the open sea!
Pauline will soon change your mood!

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jen
6/25/2020 06:25:39 pm

Carol! To the sea I go! And thanks...these portraits are a challenge but I keep plugging away at capturing emotion. :)

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Dotty Seiter link
6/25/2020 12:24:27 pm

Talk about gobsmacked … wow! Capturing emotion? omg, you've got that nailed in place. And emotional weariness. I see closed eyes and a contemplative mind, a pause, a tempering, an imminent reset.

Awesome that you are jumping into the sea feet first with Pauline!

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jen
6/25/2020 06:26:27 pm

Dotty! Thank you, friend! Emotional weariness and contemplation. Yes. An imminent rest - omg YES PLEASE!

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Carolyn Laudati
6/25/2020 12:43:21 pm

The emotions in that face!!! Hope it helped to get the emotions out... and now...... We get to play by the sea with Pauline!

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jen
6/25/2020 06:27:06 pm

Carolyn! There is nothing quite like the sea to heal the spirit...wish we were in Ballybunion!

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Carl Stoveland
6/25/2020 12:43:31 pm

Oooo. Neil Gaimen. One of my favorites! I’ll look for it. Love the emotion of the painting too. Just so good.

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jen
6/25/2020 06:27:52 pm

Carl - this book is the bomb! Leslie recommended it. You'll want to have it, especially with the new direction your own work is going. :)

Reply



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  • Home
  • ART
  • BLOG
  • Exhibits
    • The Downside of Lycanthropy
    • A Song for the Hunted
    • The Wild God
    • NUDGE - SHOVE
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