I know this one may seem odd - bizarre - maybe even disturbing. But it's an image that was floating around in my head and in my art room until I got it on paper.
1/4 sheet study piece for a larger version someday.
Yesterday, the GCWS members picked up their paintings from the recent show. It rained buckets and, at one point the sky was black as night at 10:30 am - scary! Driving home was an adventure in hydroplaning (and trying to NOT do that in the rivers of water flowing from the hillsides onto Columbia Parkway). Made it okay, though, and we had 4 sales at the show - not too shabby!
I took my mother to the show on Thursday (she wasn't that impressed with my crow painting); and took my sister to see the show on Sunday (she likes everything I do but I know birds aren't her thing, either).
Happy First Day of Summer to all those in the northern hemisphere!
20 comments:
The painting is a bit disturbing but interesting too. Love the way you painted it, the rib cage, the crow, the background. A big thumbs up, Rhonda. :)
Ouch!
I'm sure this has symbolism for you; the figure and crow are both well rendered.
I knew this one would get some comments and thanks for being honest, Ann and Deb :) It's not for everyone but I like it - and the picture is out of my head now so I will move on. I've been reading about the crow mamas attacking people who even come close to their nests and babies in Washington state - maybe that influenced this, too. Who knows where paintings come from when they come from your strange imagination? ha ha
Wow! I think it's very cool. Great cruciform composition, and the subtlety of the warm flesh tomes and the cool grays is very pleasing to me.
Also I like how you are just running with this crow theme: it's inspired!
I agree with Debwardart. Ow! was my first reaction. You know that I agree about getting "stuff" out on paper. So clearing, so freeing.
I am chuckling as I remember your early blogging decisions on nudes... ;-) Love ya.
Thanks, Laura. I am returning to crows often so I guess they are my muse :)
Suzanne, you are right - I was so afraid I'd offend someone (and I think it's more likely I'd do that with watercolorists as followers - or not?) and now I just put it out there - think what you may, it has to come out on paper sometimes :)
Join the club.....I have a quite disturbing "end of the world" painting from a dream I had in 1979 that causes quite a stir. I must admit that crow is in a sensitive place.....ohhhh! I'd love to delve deeper to figure out what exactly this means to you, if anything. It just might be your creative imagination and nothing at all, really.
I agree with Ann--interesting and disturbing. Really well done.
Great painting Rhonda - taking risks is what makes painting alive. Anyone can paint safe -
Hi Rhonda, first thank you for your words about my work, ah thanks for the clarify of cochineal, here on the island used to dye clothes and was sold overseas all, thanks for the explanation, the second is because it strange how the crow, beautiful and seems very real fact in China the breed as the parrots to talk, although they are very intelligent animals and possessive, I'm rolling I love your painting, painting is what you do many thanks will be spectacular.
A definite ouch but so beautifully painted.
Carol, I don't think I'll share - or maybe I will? Hmmm....
Thanks, Hallie.
Thanks, Bill. I think you're right - don't let fear hold you back from putting it out there! You certainly live by those words :)
Thanks, Ricardo. I read where cochineal was used as a red pigment a long time ago - a lovely red to dye clothing, too.
Pam, yes, an ouch painting - a reactive painting :) Sometimes those are the good ones - it seems to bring everyone out to look and comment!
Very well-done painting Rhonda...
Ouch was my first thought. I 'd love the artistic creation more if the bird's beak had been placed a little to the left or right!! I agree with another commentor that I find the crucifix form and Madonna theme extremely symbolic and do so admire this unusual painting from your crow series. I wonder where these ideas will lead you next.
Thanks so much, Steve. I hope you know how much I loved your crow on black paper, too - I didn't see it on your blog, though.
Joan, yes, women find this painting almost painful - empathy for the poor woman! - but I'm glad it brings up feelings, fears, anxieties, thoughts - that's what art should do, right? I never know where the crows will lead me next...
Morning Rhonda,
A little late with this comment since Blogger was malfunctioning late last night and I, along with many other bloggers, was unable to upload the photos for my post. Anyway...
You never cease to amaze me! The genteel, easy-going, mature lady watercolorist and then this!
I am amazed, surprised, even shocked a little by this painting. I would never have expected to see something like this on your blog unless it was by someone else.
Maybe it is! We all have more than one persona in our heads, if not our hearts and sometimes, those "others" must be heard.
Rest assured, the work doesn't offend me in the least. Rather it generates all sorts of questions which only you can answer-should you choose to.
It's a great shake-up and really touches a nerve (no pun intended).
Who'da thunk!!
Keep up the exciting work!!
Sincerely,
Gary.
That's coz I have a new blog for my non-mineral art Rhonda. See http://ssbirdart.blogspot.com/
Regards
Steve
Thanks, Gary. Better late than never, eh? ha ha
I did this painting days before posting it, hesitate to show it. But it's mine and it means something to me - so I had to go for it. I've done a few that could be called shocking - maybe - but this one seems to garner the most comments from women and sharing of odd dreams and fears. For that, I'm very grateful!! I even had a woman talk to me in the grocery (who follows my blog) about it :)
Steve, thanks for the follow-up; I'll add this site, too, so I don't miss any of your non-mineral work.
Another better late than never - and another ouch! Its certainly an image that creates an immediate reaction, and raises all sorts of associations and questions - Brava Rhonda and the crows!
Thanks so much, Cathy. I'm glad this one created so many responses and emotions :) That way, each person can bring their own story to the painting without my telling what it "means."
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