Thursday, August 18, 2016

Cape Arago Forest - Oregon

                                                      watercolor on Yupo 13.5x40

 Iceland had some trees but nothing like the rainforests of the Oregon coast.
In black and white, I began on the right and worked to the left completing each section as I moved. The larger trees and the dark shapes I had photographed and could refer to. But I never paint this way. Generally the whole thing is in motion for quite some time. This felt like a narrative of just visual elements and I felt more like a scribe than an artist. Walk in the woods enough and these 'facts' become part of the painter.


                                                                   Elizabeth!


 Let me tell you, a happy bride getting down on the dance floor in her puffy dress is a beautiful sight!
Luckily they didn`t ask but if they had, I would have said keep it simple, elope, save some money! No, Liz and Eric had a vision and they saw it through! And I am grateful as it was pure joy! The ceremony was at 5:30 in full sun and 99 degrees. It didn`t matter. In fact I think it enhanced it. After the short vows we raced to the dim air conditioned ballroom for the reception. It was lovely, like a cool cave! When the dancing began the wedding party and friends went tribal moving in a pulsating circle. The event was the best three days I`ve had in a long time!


 We are looking at houses with potential studio space in Camas or Washougal WA. Not easy. This has to be my last move and I know it will nearly kill me. So the new home must feel right. It is hard to leave this;





But maybe this one if I can figure out where to paint;




Words elude me right now so here are some flowers, past and present.











                                                         John and Randall Iceland selfie


work for sale in my studio


"On Paper" [group] Marcia Burtt Studio Gallery, Santa Barbara CA Aug.26-Oct.2
"New Landscapes" Coos Art Museum July 9 - Oct. 1

2 comments:

Libby Fife said...

Randall,

What a darling house! It reminds me of the houses where I grew up. I'd be hard pressed to leave:) But the new home looks good too. It seems like you are looking close to the river and the Oregon border? I've got to say that I envy you just a bit:)

Weddings can be lovely when done just right. It sounds like it brought everyone together.

The scribe/artist feeling you described sounds familiar. Towards the end of my landscape painting efforts I felt I was just filling in the blanks. Your results are always lovely though. The limited colors are dramatic!

Hope all is well!
Libby

E.M. Corsa said...

So here's the difference between us - I love the black and white and love the idea of being a scribe, ha ha.

Glad you enjoyed yourself at the wedding; sh is a lovely bride for sure.

Your house. I don't know if I could leave it. I know a house is just a house but I don't know if I could leave mine. However, it will refresh you and inspire you and you can get familiar with a new home and make it yours for the rest of your life. So exciting. I'm envious.

Why don't we have handsome guys like this on my island?!