Monday, April 4, 2011

Two New Paintings





Afoot in the Garden
Acrylic on board, 23" x 23"
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Between
Acrylic on board, 23" x 23"
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These paintings may be complete, but will need some getting acquainted time before it's decided for sure.

I try to begin at square one with each blank canvas--to empty out preconceived ideas and just start applying paint as randomly as possible.  Paintings will live a life of their own, if you will let them.  In the midst of this process I try to listen to the painting instead of bossing it around.  A give and take evolves between my intuitive nature--where I really want to stay--and the analytical side, which inevitably starts asserting itself as I make decisions on which leads to follow. 

I've been wanting for a long time to re-introduce figures into the paintings, so with these two works I'm jumping in the water. 


Artists and writers - like ritual magicians - know that the ego, the conscious self, does not really create anything. Instead, all our training and preparation serves to allow us to get out of the way. Something moves through us. Something wants to be created. This is what it means to experience magic, to open yourself to the power of life.

From Tarot Reversals, by Mary K. Greer

12 comments:

Katherine said...

I love both of these paintings, however I am really wowed by Afoot in the Garden. Something in the impressionists handling of the figures juxtaposed with the black lined flower and the general use of paint. What a beauty!

Don Gray said...

Hi Katherine--I appreciate your thoughts--thanks a lot!

Benham Design Concepts said...

Some times when I paint I start a painting and then leave it alone for months at a time before I come back and finish it. So I can relate you your thought of giving it time to get acquainted to before deeming it complete.

Katherine said...

I know Don, it may change. I am not going to hold you to this particular incarnation.

Marcie said...

There is something about "Afoot in the Garden" that really speaks to me,Don. There is such a lovely quality of two people out enjoying the day, taking in the glories of nature so to speak.

Don Gray said...

Thanks for your thoughts, Marcie--glad you like it.

shirley fachilla said...

Ah, the little girl, the darkness in the doorway, the light vibrating around her. I think it's wonderful.

Don Gray said...

Very kind of you Shirley--thanks.

Sheila Vaughan said...

There is a real core of truthfulness in these Don. I can see you really have followed your intuition - and it is as difficult as you imply. I am determined not to give up on pursuing that and would like to say many thanks for the "spur" and the motivation. If we don't keep trying to do this, what is the point.

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Sheila--what you write is so true. I always admire how you continually strive to further and expand your art.

George McKay said...

As a photographer of people who aspires to paint landscapes, I appreciate your ability to do the ying yang thing between abstract and realism. Nice!

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, George. You have a wonderful eye in your photos. I love Ashland. Our daughter went to SOU in '88 and '89, and I had a show at the campus museum way back when.