The work behind the works . . .

Occasionally another artists work "beats" me to an expression or feeling or experience I wish to portray. And often I find the best way to overcome the desire to "copy" or create something similar is to study the work by doing just that -- copying it! While working up ideas for the MS art show, "The Art of MS," I found myself wanting to portray what the MS hug feels like. However, Frank Frazetta had already created an image that conveys the sensation of having one's torso/chest compressed as if being hugged by a boa constrictor in his painting "Serpent." So I studied it to see if I could experience some of the genius behind this image.

I decided not to pursue this idea after doing this study because it would not be my own at this point. But I hope to do other concept studies of this idea to bring about an image that is original and unique, and perhaps in some way will serve as homage to this great master of intensity and freshness in the world of extraordinary subject matter.

R.I.P. Frank Frazetta, February 9, 1928 – May 10, 2010

Happy Place #1

This is the first in a new series I plan to be painting in the upcoming months depicting "happy places" I go to when pain threatens to overcome my spirit. The images will come from a bucket list of fantasy places and endeavors, some with historical foundation, that I tap regularly.

Happy Place #1, watercolor, 11" x 16"

Creating art with a specific story

During my visit at the MS clinic to schedule my second MRI series to look for spinal lesions, I was encouraged by my neurologist's assistant to submit some art to their "Living with MS" art exhibit this June. Even though I do not have a diagnosis for my weird constellation of neurological symptoms, she said as a patient in the clinic I ought to give it a whirl.

In developing this image I found myself relating to the iconic image painted by Andrew Wyeth in "Christina's World." While I haven't settled on a title, I have developed a brief description for the painting specifically for the show:

"The artist looks longingly at the mountains through an invisible barrier between herself and the activity she had just begun to enjoy before her untimely side-lining. Inspired by Andrew Wyeth's "Christina's World," an enigmatic painting of longing and determination, the artist might be asking: Is there a way that those hills and peaks can once again become the artist's domain?"

Possible name: "Invisible Barrier"

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Finally . . . a new pastel I created for the MS Center art exhibit "The Art of Living with MS" The artist looks longingly at the mountains through an invisible barrier between herself and the activity she had just begun to enjoy before her untimely side-lining. Inspired by Andrew Wyeth's "Christina's World," an enigmatic painting of longing and determination, the artist might be asking: Is there a way that those hills and peaks can once again become the artist's domain?