Acrylic on paper, 18" x 30" (approx.)
Collection State of Oregon
Click image to enlarge
Collection State of Oregon
Click image to enlarge
Here's another rather poor photo of a painting from the mid-80's--the same era as "Eagle Cap". I'm the little Charlie Brown look-alike holding the fish; my father is in the background.
I was searching then for less-literal ways to paint--trying to find ways to combine representation and abstraction. Actually, that search still goes on.
I was searching then for less-literal ways to paint--trying to find ways to combine representation and abstraction. Actually, that search still goes on.
8 comments:
These two early works are very interesting in so many aspects Don.
I enjoy the way your elusive narrative content was deconstructed (postmodernism caught many of us during the 80's!)and also the rough "collage" feeling produced by the realist figures (the part with your dad is so beautiful and touching) floating on the sketchy surfaces. Thanks for sharing.
things make sense, suddenly a new window is opening and the sense of the abstract and the literal in painting fall into place.. did you fid a way of expression through paint in the 80s that can become in 2011 a new era....? beautiful....
Thanks, Pierre, for your insightful comments. I was indeed "deconstructing" my whole approach to painting during this transitional period.
Thanks for your comments, Rahina. I'm still exploring the ideas and issues I laid out for myself in the mid-80's. My contemporary blog shows some of that work: http://dongraypaintings.blogspot.com. It's an expresson of my "free" side, where I try to stay open to experiment and change.
Very nice painting Don! I knew that was you instantly, how can that be?
I don't know how that can be, Randall, but I'm delighted that it struck you that way--thanks!
I'm a little behind the curve here, but I want to say how touching I find this. This and the previous one. I like that you and your dad both hold the fish. And there are more of your rocks. And the camp gear. All together, it makes for a wonderful narrative.
And yeah, that's clearly you, Charlie Brown.
Always love to hear from you, Sam--what you said is very meaningful to me.
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