Illusions of depth

Lavender Cascade

Pastel, 18X24

Yes, an underpainting serves as a fundamental purpose, to set the values, and overall color, tone and temperature of a painting. Used beyond the rudiment purpose, underpainting can enhance the energy and interest in a painting, creating a layered effect and the illusion of depth and volume.

Over the past year, I have been exploring the possibilities of underpainting in watercolor and applying it to pastel landscapes...some small, others much larger as this one is. The tone, value, and color are established in watercolor, allowing for the watercolor to do what it does best...create a wonderful mingle of little explosive color blossoms. Then, pastel is applied, allowing for some of the subtle watercolor creation to show through, enhancing the illusion of air and space.

I will have 10 or so of these pastel landscapes on exhibit at Kybecca September 1st through October 31st.

Exhibiting Art at Kybecca

Recently, I was invited to exhibit artwork at one of my favorite "wine and tapas" bar in Fredericksburg...for July and August. The artist initially scheduled for this time was not going to be able to show, so the owner was looking for someone to fill in. Did I mention I had 4 days notice? Following my initial reaction..."No way...can I come up with a collection of artwork to fill the space (20 or so paintings) on such short notice"...I came to my senses, did a reconnaissance (a word from my previous life) of the space and an inventory of paintings and their locations...and accepted.

My realization...doing a "short notice" show is the best way to have one...no fuss, no pre-show stress to produce work, no nervous anticipation building up to the opening reception. I simply hang and show my work, as is.

And so, I will have 23 paintings on exhibit at Kybecca, including 5 new works on aquabord, until September.

Exhibit July 12th through August 2010

400 William St

Fredericksburg, Va

kybeccawinebar.com

If you are in the downtown Fredericksburg area over the next couple of months, I invite you to stop by Kybecca for great wine and tapas, and to view art.