At shows, the most frequently asked question is "Where do you get these ideas?" For On Track, oil pastel, 18x24, there was no plan. When I was running late for my Art Group at the Y, I grabbed this rabbit from his perch--he'd been sitting on a backyard fence for nine years, watching the real bunnies who come out to play (usually on Friday evenings). I used a twig to remove the dirt dauber nest from his bottom, blew off the leaves, and put him in the car.I set him up on my card table at the Y and liked the results. The tough part was deciding what to do with a rabbit on wheels. I considered a rabbit hole (see dark on right side). I propped the drawing against the bedroom wall for a week--looking at it at least ten times a day. (In my sculpting days pieces of stone or wood sometimes lay on the kitchen counter for weeks--waiting for the Aha! moment.)
The colors and lines came first; then the title; then the idea of racing or being pulled towards death--all those wheels at the bottom of the cliff. I don't think of the painting as dark, just a part of life. My mom (with that Southern humor) said, "People are dying today who've never died before." Who can argue with that?
I sometimes enjoy surprise endings.
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Thank God for surprise endings. I don't want to see the edge of the cliff. I don't see this as dark at all. The rabbit has a mellow demeanor as he enjoys the ride... Your mom's quote is excellent. I'm still smiling as I type...
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the quote, Don. Here in SOVA there's a saying for every experience. Disappointed with someone? "I wouldn't give him air if he was in a jug," says it all. (That image could make an interesting painting.)
ReplyDeleteLove the rabbit, I agree w/ Don, the rabbit does seem to have a mellow demeanor.
ReplyDeleteI too have been smiling and laughing at your mom's quote. LOVE it!
Thanks, Indigomar. I'll try to remember Mom's quote when I attend the next funeral; I get too emotional. The bird story on your blog brought tears.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful surprise ending!!! I just love this. Great inspiration and a terrific result.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen. I have no doubt that your stones will have wonderful endings, too--they'll become beautiful pieces of jewelry.
ReplyDeleteI kind of feel like this rabbit today. Blind faith perhaps. You are a complete and total treasure my friend. Did you get your sense of humor from your Mom?
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