This is a detail of Durk, Study in Blue and Orange. He was painted in early 2006 in just two sessions. First session was a basic light wash drawing that was dry before I came in with cobalt blue, indanthrone blue, transparent orange and white. Subject is Durk, a wheeler for Karen Waldron's 4 in hand coaching team (Bent Tree Farm). I have followed them to shows and even headed this team. It is one of the most moving experiences to be on a coach with glowing candles (real candles!) and the wheels crunching over gravel in the crisp night air. Even just as a memory now I get covered in chills.
He may be the painting I miss seeing the most. There is incredible freshness in the thick and wet paint that allowed the colors to mix. I spend more time being careful in current paintings. I think as I get back to some landscapes I will find this loose style again but with more education of the patient hand. I remember being home alone, focused and peaceful that evening. There was perfect aura when he came to life...
