Monday, September 5, 2011

Toothpaste and Shell

Oil on board, 5" x 7"
$125 plus $6 shipping in U.S.
Click image to enlarge
SOLD

I lost my camera, so it will be a while before I can post my newest paintings. How did I lose it?...I was afraid you'd ask.

Brenda and I decided to take a drive Sunday over the Hell's Canyon Loop, a backroads route through some of northeast Oregon's most rugged and scenic mountains. We arrived at the Snake River about noon, and had a pleasant lunch at a park overlooking the river. On leaving, while loading the cooler and assorted sacks into the back of the truck, I "temporarily" set the camera down on the back bumper...you know the rest of the story.

The camera wasn't missed until we reached the Hell's Canyon Overlook, way up in the mountains and some thirty miles from the river. Returning to hunt for it seemed pretty futile, and backtracking would have ruined our loop drive, so on we went. (Reminder to all: put your phone number and address on your camera--I didn't. Most of us who find a lost item will return it, if we know where to send it.)

So today's post from the archive is from the "Odd Couple" series. Odd Couples are still lifes where I deliberately set out to pair unlikely combinations of objects. This one is one of my personal favorites. It became especially fun to paint when I decided on the minty aqua color for the table. And I loved the pun created by the toothpaste's brand name.  Simple things amuse me.

6 comments:

Art By Erika said...

So does this mean you didn't get pics of the scenic mountains? :) Sorry about the camera, I can imagine the sounds you made upon realization! Put my name and number on my camera - thanks I will!

I love this painting and the play on the relationship love the colors too!

Don Gray said...

No beautiful mountain pix, Erika. :( However, the finder of the camera will see some video of our dog underneath a blanket in the back seat of the truck, wagging his tail. :)

Yes, I made some sounds when I realized what happened. I think I said "Heavens to Betsy!!" Brenda may have a different recollection.

Thanks for the note!

Susan Roux said...

I remember this series, Don. I like this one too. It reminds me of a soldiers necessities, but not something found in most toiletry bags.

Heavens to Betsy?

It's like a painting, use your imagination..!

David Page Coffin said...

Glows… and sticks! Beautiful.

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Susan. Yes, imagination is a good thing. Brenda may imagine I said something else. :)

Don Gray said...

Great comment, David--thank you!