“I’LL BE BACK… (11 x 14 in.)

The challenge for me as a artist is to take a very common object and make it more visually appealing by use of color and/or perspective. In this painting there is an ordinary adirondack chair in strong sunlight. Many people can connect to this image. They can remember a time on vacation or simply relaxing by a pool reading a book. There is an interlude…perhaps a drink is needed or a swim to cool down. The book is left open so the anticipation of more reading is obvious. (Is it an adventure story that they must continue reading?)

For me what works in this painting is the contrast between the strong light and the shadow. The white of the chair almost blends into the background, leaving only the shadow. I have used a soft blending of purples and blues in the shadow to make it more interesting than a dull gray. These colors also help “cool” the painting down…strong sunlight often means warmth. The color of the book and the black/white towel also add more contrast to the painting.