Red

For the last few months, I’ve been exploring light and using the color red. I’m especially drawn to lighter, red-orange hues like Cadmium Red Light and Napthol Red. From the first brushstroke it exudes an “oooh” and then I am challenged with how to preserve enough of the color to strike the balance of the subject matter without losing the impact of the red.

Here, the images are taken from locations near to me, starting with the “oh, Chute” above. The feed mill is located half a block away from my home, but several years back they tore down what remained of the portion I chose to paint. If you look at the green chute, you can see rags tied to it…maybe to prevent them from collapsing? At one point, the particle board used to patch a side of the building did just that, spewing grain all over the sidewalks and street. Below, Mediation Point and Above Kay Bay, are composites of views from Turtle Lake near Talmoon, MN, and the Spirit Tree to create imaginary spots to let the mind wander and find a little solace. The last image using the reds is “Wilderness Drive” where I used a photo to reference the light coming through. The drive is located in Itasca Park and is a favorite for locals and tourists taking in the Mississippi Headwaters.