Wednesday, February 20, 2008

"Say Cheese"

11 x 11"
oil on masonite
sold

(detail)

(detail)

(detail)

(detail)

This painting is one of my personal favorites - if asked why, it was a challenge, a fun challenge, that includes 57 individuals frozen in a moment, busy with others or standing in line or resting on a bench. The view is from a couple floors up, looking down into the lobby of the Guggenheim - and at that very moment, to my delight, someone was pointing their camera up at me.

The challenge was to keep it all right - the distortion of the bodies, the correct proportions of each to another, the uniqueness of each person and mostly, keeping it loose and casual. It's one of those scenes that you must depend on seeing shapes and color as you're painting, rather than what it really is.

I will also say that, if you could view the original painting, you'd see more to the edges and brush strokes, which give it all a little movement. If you're in Seattle, please visit the Howard/Mandville Gallery to see this painting and others.

Click here for a larger view.


9 comments:

Dani Brandimarte said...

Wow, that's truly amazing. I love that it's busy at the top and open space near the bottom. I can see why it's one of your favorites.

Bill Brauker said...

Well, just when I think you can't top the last one, you go and do it again. This is just absolutely amazing. Congratulations on a remarkable painting that is so full of life!

Anonymous said...

I think that your painting is awesome. I would love to put that painting up in my living room. When you look at it, it's like your looking at a piece of the world from the past.

vivien said...

I really like this one - I think it's the one of yours I've seen :)

the viewpoint and distribution of figures is great

Deb Kirkeeide said...

Fantastic! I applaud you for everything about it and mostly for the challenge of it. I would never have the patience so I am truly in awe.

Sandy Maudlin said...

This is a fantastic painting. I really love it.

Anonymous said...

most amazing,Karin! you must feel so thrilled and so satisfied...
fan from canada

Jason Waskey said...

This piece looks great in person.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Karin, when I saw the title of your painting, I almost expected to see one of those sports fans from Wisconsin wearing a big cheese head!
Your paintings are incredible. I wish I had been able to take your workshop with Carol Marine but for now, I'll just have to enjoy your blog.