New Painting: Ancient Story

Ancient Story, acrylic on canvas, 48" x 84" 2014

Mountainous landscapes come into my works often--doubtlessly due to growing up on the Rocky Mountain foothills in Colorado--and two recent visits back to those familiar peaks greatly inspired my use of texture and composition in my latest work, Ancient Story. I find the stacking of elements in atmospheric perspective so interesting, and it is a beauty wholly missed here in flatland Florida (although there are, of course, other wonders of loveliness). Seeing a valley, then hills, then the clustered monoliths of city architecture, then a mountain range, all staggered up to the sky is such an expansive and finite experience.

I have often used my technique of applying heavy texture in other pieces, but this is the first time I have used such sculptural elements in a work of such a large scale. Because of the size, I applied the texture (which was created using flexible moulding paste) in enormous piles using a large bamboo spoon and my hands. This new technique of application added greatly to the organic nature of my shapes, and it allowed for larger areas of texture which could then be chased with smaller tools. The result is striking when viewed from a distance, but it also holds enchanting details of metallics and eroding color when examined at nose's length.

Red paint always enchants me--the color seem to change so drastically as the eye adjusts to the intensity of it, and the minute complexities between tones seem to emerge from deep within the work. Slight alterations, hints of contrasts, color context, and layered washes heighten the red's playfulness with the eye.

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Ancient Story was commissioned by David Spivey for the lobby of the Capital Insurance branch office in Lutz, Florida. 

Ancient Story installed in the Capital Insurance office

Me with Ancient Story