Wednesday, April 21, 2010










Untitled (work in progress)
Oil on board, each panel 23" x 23"
Click images to enlarge

These are some of the panels I've been working with in the "Heaven and Earth" series. The bottom photo shows the studio wall with a possible configuration of three panels. It may not end up this way; I might change the arrangement, add or subtract from it or completely repaint--everything is up for grabs at this stage. They also may or may not end up being linked with stone images in some way.

One of the things I like about working with a series of separate panels is the way they interact with one another in a kind of visual narrative. It's not a literal story of course, but as the eye goes from one image to another, the mind sequences them and builds connections that are not unlike storylines in some way. Another thing that intrigues me is the way multiple images can access notions of time and change.

32 comments:

lochinvarwelsh said...

I especially like this series. The use of the primary colors seems to suggest the primal, elemental aspects of this work -- of rocks and earth, wind and air, life and death. A lot of emotion in these.

Susan Roux said...

I think its so powerful and beautiful as a tryptic. It takes on a completely different energy. Almost like its putting the sky in motion...

I love it.

Pam Holnback said...

Thew seem to work separately s well as make a strong statement together. The bold contrast in each piece really pulls me in. Love the series.

Linda Popple said...

Love this series. The colors are gorgeous and my eye is drawn into each one and then connected to each other. Much to see and think about.

Leslie Sealey said...

All three of those are strong pieces, and they make a very striking series. Nice work!

Katherine said...

Extraordinary Don!

-- Me said...

I really like these. They convey a sense of energy, movement and emotion as soon as I look at them. There is something about them which is very powerful. I think is series are my favorite so far this year.

SamArtDog said...

The paintings are powerful and the writing is thoughtful. Lots to absorb. Thanks for the fodder.

Marco Folchi said...

Wooow, smasching, nice pieces!

patrice said...

I've gotten lazy subscribing to your dailies - and I haven't been clicking over to leave a comment or really look and read. This trio got me out of my stupor. They're so much better seen on the blog!

Fabulous!

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, Lochinvarwelsh. I'm a bit embarassed to admit, but until you mentioned the primary colors it hadn't occured to me that each panel has a dominant primary...that's how observant I am!

Don Gray said...

I'm glad to hear you feel the three work together. Thanks so much Susan.

Don Gray said...

Much appreciated, Pam.

Don Gray said...

Linda, thank you!

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, Leslie. Love your cupcake Airstream!

Don Gray said...

Thank you Katherine!

Don Gray said...

Hi Heather--thanks! I have a pretty good idea which Heather you might be. :^} I see you just started a gratitude journal and I get to be your first follower!

Don Gray said...

Sam, thanks for your kind words.

Don Gray said...

Marco, thanks and welcome to my blog! Nice to see your work--very fine.

Don Gray said...

Patrice, thank you for taking the time to visit and comment--nice to hear from you.

Anonymous said...

the way these interact with each other is mesmerising.like windows into different aspects of one's life.
btw, i just noticed that under winslow's painting the words 'lion tamer' which i don't remember reading when i left my comment...:)

Dean Grey said...

Don!

These look really cool!

The first one looks dangerous even!

-Dean

Debbi Smith Rourke said...

Wow - love the series. The colors, compositions and the way they work together! Also love the name of the series. Inspiring and perfect for earth day!

Don Gray said...

Hi Rahina and thanks. I assumed you'd read Bri's title...your comment was really spot on, wasn't it?

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Dean. I'm a dangerous guy!

Don Gray said...

Thanks for the encouragement, Debbi!

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

What a great and powerful series.

Don Gray said...

Thank you for the supportive words, Irit.

Jala Pfaff said...

Really liking these. Raw and elemental.

Don Gray said...

I'm pleased you like them, Jala. I'd like them to be just as you described.

martha miller said...

Love the three primary colors! Beautiful triptych!!

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Martha!