Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Section Line


Section Line
Watercolor on archival rag paper, 6" x 10"
$170 plus $7 shipping
SOLD

The winter landscape around here sometimes brings out my inner Wyeth.

As a young aspiring artist growing up in the rural west, artistic role models were few, and when I discovered Andrew Wyeth's work it had a huge impact. I even flew from Oregon to visit him in Pennsylvania when I was 22 and considering painting full-time. It took years to assimilate his role-model dominance and gradually discover my own artistic voice. There was a long period where I rejected Wyeth's influence--the classic rebellion against the "father." Gradually I gained a more realistic perspective and tucked him into his proper place as one of a long and varied list of artists who have made up my own artistic heritage.

These days I don't worry anymore when traces of Wyeth's influence show up. In fact, it's kind of like greeting an old friend.

11 comments:

Sheila Vaughan said...

Lovely feel Don. This is a pleasure to study.

Anonymous said...

agree with Sheila... there is a purity and silence about it that touches the soul

Anonymous said...

Don, I love the subtle colors and the ghostly edges of the hilltop.
Very spare and haunting.
Anne Thrower

Anonymous said...

I don't know why this work is so touching. The quiet mystery of the foggy atmosphere, a feeling of being alone but not lonely with the breeze ruffling your clothes.
I too have admired Wyeth from my youth. Maybe this study took me back to when I discovered him.

Suzee

Anonymous said...

Chilling to the soul. This is my favorite painting today on my blog, rosaspicks.wordpress.com. I hope you'll come by and check it out! Thanks, Rosa

Don Gray said...

Thanks as always for your generous words, Sheila.

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Rahina, for your thoughtful comment.

Don Gray said...

Thank you, Anne. You know well what these days are like here.

Don Gray said...

I appreciate your words, Suzee--glad the painting moves you somehow.

Don Gray said...

Rosa, thanks so much. I mentioned your blog in tonight's post.

Gary L. Everest said...

Hi Don,
A wonderful painting to be sure. Your accompanying words ring true also. In fact, I've always been afraid of becoming a poor imitation of any of my artist-heroes. Attending any of their workshops would, no doubt be a wonderful experience, but that fear keeps me home.
Great painting and a great post.
Sincerely,
Gary.