Conditional

Conditional   oil/canvas   30 x 24 x .5

It is imperative for me to relate to a model before I can put my heart into a painting. This man posed on a bench with popcorn for the pigeons. There was so much about this person that I could relate to.....the story very personal and also quite sad...........but there it is. For me, painting involves growing as a person, as well as growing as a painter. His struggle is mine. Inclusion as opposed to exclusion. I decided not to put him into a scene..........no trees, bushes, plants, clouds, etc. I felt that the solitary figure would carry more power this way. To deny sorrow is to deny soulfulness. There he is in the rain.........no birds in sight.... I am there as well.

Drawing

Tired Official...a sketch

Drawing is my greatest pleasure! I keep a small sketchbook and a variety of pencils with me at all times.....Not only does it help to pass the time in some situations, it also helps me to feel a part of whatever I am witnessing. It helps me to understand the world that I live in. All of my sons have been awesome runners, so we (my husband and me) have been to countless races and meets throughout the years. My sketchbook is like a diary of those wonderful memories. "Tired Official" is one of those sketches. It documents, I think, the life of an older man whose running days are long past and has continued his legacy by being a timekeeper. He is now tired. I recall making the sketch and empathizing with him.