Friday, March 28, 2008


Love Seat Pillows 3

Oil on board, 5" x 7"
$125.00 + $6.00 shipping in US.
SOLD

I decided to try a more controlled version of the pillows in oil. No... that's not really true. I didn't "decide" to do anything. Here's what really happened: I just started the painting and the durned thing went off and finished itself the way it wanted to, which in this case happened to be a bit more refined.

That's usually what the process is like--I'm pretty much just along for the ride. Sometimes it's maddening, sometimes exciting, but I'm never really quite in charge. I can't even control whether it's going to be more or less controlled!

I know you artists will understand what I'm talking about.

18 comments:

Frank Gardner said...

I understand exactly what you mean. The paintings will tell you what they need if you listen. The ones I mess up are when I don't listen.
I love these love seat pillow paintings. Looks like a great place to hang out.
You can put your feet and legs up on the arm, raised slightly above your head, and let the blood get back to your brain after a long day of standing at the easel.

Anonymous said...

Hey Don, I had a big grin reading this last post on pillows 3! Thanks for taking a look at "Perpetual Motion" http://www.marcroder.net/?p=139
and for your comments on it and my thoughts about "Advanced Carpentry".

I went on a shopping spree at Opus Arts on a recent visit to Victoria, BC and couldn't pass up the sale on 16" pre stretched deep profile linens. The price was lower than I could stretch them at so I grabbed 40 of them. Small studies of ROCKS (I've been neglecting stone in favor of wood for so long) on the way!

My dad emailed me a link some time back about the kerfuffle in Union over bulldozing the old storage garage on Main Street.... I guess it's the building next to my old digs across from the museum?

Just flew into Miami yesterday for my daughter's Spring break. Hope to get some time to actually draw a bit in this little sketchpad I brought along. Probably won't surprise you that I admired "The Once and Future King" - I miss that old Valley.

Don Gray said...

You pegged it, Frank. That's me every evening--feet up on the arm and head on a pillow. Thanks for your words of hard-earned wisdom.

Don Gray said...

Hi Marc, great to hear from you. Can't wait to see the rock paintings start showing up on your site. I can almost picture in my mind how you might handle that subject matter.

Have fun in Miami.

martha miller said...

Control? What's that?

Don Gray said...

Ha--right, Martha! Your portraits are gorgeous examples of what happens when one can just get out of the way of their own work and allow it to grow organically, through process itself.

A Reason to Paint said...

I know exactly what you mean Don; that paintings can develop a life of their own is one of the main appeals of art for me. I particularly like the stories I see emerging as I work on a piece, it's not unlike interpreting poetry; I intend to write a blog post on that shortly.

Thank you for doing another of these cosy paintings - I am so thrilled that I got here early enough to win a sibling for the earlier work!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

You hit the nail on the head. After I get a good start, I am painting intuitively much of the time. Whatever happens, happens. Every painter can point out the ones that 'fell off the brush." That's a GREAT feeling.
I love the sparkle in the patterned pillow!

Candy Barr said...

It's a really lovely and terrific series DON.. are they done around the same time of day?

Don Gray said...

Triecia, can't thank you enough for your kind words and support--thanks!

Don Gray said...

Hi Mary, thanks for weighing in with your insights. The ones that fall off the brush are indeed true gifts. My challenge comes when I'm struggling with a work--which usually means I'm fighting against my intuitive responses.

Don Gray said...

Hi Candy--thank you. Yes, they are all afternoon paintings. It's a diffused light in that part of the room which doesn't change dramatically for several hours. A lot easier than the rapid changes I'm sure you're seeing with the plein air work!

Gwen Buchanan said...

the color, texture and lighting.. beautiful interior painting...

Don Gray said...

Hi Gwen--thanks a lot. Just showed my wife your blog filled with art, jewelry and your lovely home. She is SO impressed!

kim shields said...

Have continuously enjoyed your couch and pillow series. Love the warm inviting colors.

rob ijbema said...

wonderfull painting,great intimate subject and the colors and light work so well...good you went with the flow

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Rob. I had a great time exploring your blogs. I hadn't seen your "Car a Day" one before--those are great!

N Poucher said...

Refined, unrefined....all of your pillow paintings are beautiful. Wonderful texture and warmth.