My current intention is to create atmosphere in my paintings; atmosphere in the sense of air rather than mood. My clay-like paint handling makes air easier to come by on rainy days, when the substance of space approaches a solid. On those days, forms appear smudged, presenting themselves that much closer to open-form non-linear representation. Yesterday was crystal clear, a perfect summer day to paint in the shade: comfortable temperature, no wind or persistent bugs. Possibly a few too many loud strollers edifying their children about nature and art. This painting was made at a section of the river bordered by woods and homes just a few miles east of a great blue heron rookery. Two giant birds swooped into view and gently cruised low over the river and out of view — a remarkably wild event amid the congestion of exurbia.
To see Carol’s painting from this location, click here.
ABOVE: Charles River, no. 1, oil on paper, 9 x 10.25 in (22.86 x 26 cm), 8/8/09