Old Ideas with Fresh Paint
It's interesting that when contemplating a new project mid year 2019, I turned to an old piece that I had originally started back in High School. (long time ago in a galaxy far, far away).
Catcher in the Rye isn't one of my favorite books, but I respect the emotional connection many people have with the work. One image I retained from the book was of Salinger's Holden Caulfield standing in the field of rye ready to catch the children if they come too close to the cliff. I then mixed in several years spent in Southwest Kansas where weather could be unpredictable and dangerous. I also took the liberty of working with a heroine instead of a literal translation of the book passage. I shifted her stance so you can see her face and I hope that by tilting everything at an angle it pushes the sensation of falling and anxiety.
Becoming a better oil painter has ben a long term project of mine. This painting has ended up being one of the best produced this past year. This hits close to the mark of what I wanted in mood and layout and that tickles me pink.
Perhaps a few more years of work, I'll be a grandmaster.
