- Published on
Into The Woods, Alone
oil on charcuterie board
9.5 x 17.5 inches
This item is unframed but ready to hang.
(Note: this is not a food-safe item. For decorative use only.)
"The wolf said, "You know, my dear, it isn't safe for a little girl to walk through these woods alone." Red Riding Hood said, "I find your sexist remark offensive in the extreme, but I will ignore it because of your traditional status as an outcast from society, the stress of which has caused you to develop your own, entirely valid worldview. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be on my way." - JAMES FINN GARNER
oil on charcuterie board
9.5 x 17.5 inches
This item is unframed but ready to hang.
(Note: this is not a food-safe item. For decorative use only.)
"The wolf said, "You know, my dear, it isn't safe for a little girl to walk through these woods alone." Red Riding Hood said, "I find your sexist remark offensive in the extreme, but I will ignore it because of your traditional status as an outcast from society, the stress of which has caused you to develop your own, entirely valid worldview. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be on my way." - JAMES FINN GARNER
When the world is on fire, going into the woods is not recommended. And going alone? Well, lately the woods feel perhaps safer for women than the civilized world. But that is a digression for another time. Here in the studio, the woods on fire and the streets filled with smoke have this artist wandering in the paint and on some very lovely wood.
Some years ago, Malcolm and I stumbled upon a bunch of burl wood (which found its way home with us, of course!) The reclaimed lumber place where we found the burl wood gave us a gorgeous charcuterie board in thanks for our purchase. And it sat, unused, for a long time.
I've been gathering odd bits and bobs lately - discarded boards from a local handcrafted furniture store, vintage hardware, and so forth. The charcuterie board found its way into the "potential substrates" pile and ultimately onto the work table.
Some years ago, Malcolm and I stumbled upon a bunch of burl wood (which found its way home with us, of course!) The reclaimed lumber place where we found the burl wood gave us a gorgeous charcuterie board in thanks for our purchase. And it sat, unused, for a long time.
I've been gathering odd bits and bobs lately - discarded boards from a local handcrafted furniture store, vintage hardware, and so forth. The charcuterie board found its way into the "potential substrates" pile and ultimately onto the work table.
I had in mind a modernized version of Red Riding Hood, because the wood itself wanted to be part of the story.
After sanding some of the edges, I applied several coats of varnish to seal the wood. Once dry, I carefully created the basic form of the painting composition in gesso to prepare the surface for oil paint.
After sanding some of the edges, I applied several coats of varnish to seal the wood. Once dry, I carefully created the basic form of the painting composition in gesso to prepare the surface for oil paint.
Gesso added to sealed wood
work in process
After that, many painstaking layers of oil paint with small brushes and lots of drying time. And a final coat of varnish to seal everything nicely. I am rather fond of this fashion-forward version of Red. Now, what other kinds of trouble can I get into in the bits and bobs pile?
Watch the vlog on YouTube!
This week's bonus malarkey!
Really.
Perfect balance, with each enhancing the other magnificently.
Can't wait to see what other kinds of trouble you get into in the bits and bobs pile. I have no doubt you will.
So, Portland is smoky, yes, from wildfires?
And yes...today is the first good air day in a bit. The wind shifted away from us. But for much of the week we were indoors or in masks. Mount Hood is on fire! ACK!
Carl
Next up on the substrate pile? Cast off furniture-making wood and some vintage hardware! Monsters, anyone? xo
After working on a wooden yacht for seven years, I have a deep affection for deep grains, complex burls and varnish and this unique piece is of art is so rich!!
Brilliant play of Red going into the woods, really and truly. You never cease to amaze.
xxox
p.s. your wondrous mango chutney has sent my husband into a spicy mango chutney obsession! He puts it on EVERYTHING! He wanted me to let you know he will have some version of it in the house at all times from now on. :)
What a great format! Love how she blend with her motion with the grains of the wood! She is brave and courageous with her floating veiland half-mask. Do more reds and on different materials!
So sad that the position of woman is threatening! Ego and Fear!
I so appreciate your comments on this piece - it was quite out of my usual box! More reds? Yes, ma'am!
And yep, the tide is shifting, unfortunately.