Monday, October 18, 2010


Rockaway

Oil on board, 14" x 14 1/2"
$750 plus $12 shipping in U.S.

For check payment or other arrangements, email don@dailyartwest.com


With this painting I seemed--for once--to stop at the right point. The work has a very literal presence, while holding on to a spontaneous, painterly quality. Most of the painting is alla prima broad brush, with a sense of precision that depends less on rendering and more on the power of suggestion and accuracy of values.

It conjures for me strong memories of the actual place. There's a tension in the design--half sky and half ground--the immensity of the sea compressed into a narrow strip between the two. One senses an implied power in these huge driftwood piles, tossed randomly on the shore like so many toothpicks. The logs hunker down, immobile for now but charged with latent energy.


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

amazing composition Don! and the light is as reflective as the thinking behind this painting.

Pierre Raby said...

Impressive work Don, perfectly balanced without being static. That moment in time holds infinity and you masterly translated it with this beautiful painting.

Don Gray said...

I appreciate that, Rahina--thank you.

Don Gray said...

What a kind thing to say, Pierre--thanks.

Sheila Vaughan said...

Yes, really like this one Don - It's like a short story in the rocks and sky series - powerful, simple and direct.

shirley fachilla said...

I began by liking that strip of sea very much but soon realized I really liked those jumbled timbers. Very painterly and just warm enough in the shadows.

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Sheila. Yes, I hadn't thought of it but it does have a pretty clear relationship to the "Heaven and Earth" series I've been doing recently. Maybe that's part of why I like it. Thanks for making that connection.

Don Gray said...

I appreciate your thoughtful words, Shirley--thank you.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Excellent foreshortening on those logs!

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Kelley--nice to hear from you!

Jason Waskey said...

Terrific, Don.

Don Gray said...

Many thanks, Jason!