figure compositions

Where have we been, where are we now, where are we going?

That is a paraphrasing of a series of paintings by Paul Gauguin. I was reading Wild Thing: a biography of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux and saw these paintings by the Post-Impressionist. I had done a small sketch that I was turning into a 30 x 40 inch painting. I saw that the title could be represented by my painting and took it. The St Sebastian is the past, while the full length figure symbolizes what lies ahead, and what is our present. The heads are the spectators that I enjoy putting into my work to represent the viewer. What is going on? they seem to be those of us trying to find out what is happening.

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Where I Am Now

Today was the first day I felt I could work in my studio in many weeks. I began this 16 x 20 inch oil sketch. It is a preliminary study for a larger 30 x 40 inch painting I will be making. The figure in the background and the snake in the foreground are taken from a drawing in the collection of the Princeton University Art Museum. The dog is Sammie, of course, while the figures are models on the Croquis Cafe website. The composition’s subject is how I see things now. That is rather like hell. However, the presence of Sammie, whom I only added towards the end of the workday seems to indicate I am feeling less hopeless. A good sign.

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Lately

I have been sketching, working on ideas for future paintings, and moving forward slowly on the Pathos of Alexander painting. I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that a painting with that heavy a title is weighing me down. The whole indirect painting thing sometimes feels like I have entered quicksand, but I will persevere, whether or not it is warranted.

Sketch for Women Play Baseball project
Sketches
After some glazing in color

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