if their mothers only knew

mixed media drawing on canvas

38x42"

copyright 2010 gloucester ma

debbie clarke

i'm drawing, i'm writing, i'm sorting, i'm re-thinking my online activities. i finished this a few weeks ago.  just turned it to the wall and forgot it.  we put it on the living room wall friday night.  i think it works. this drawing started as a painting on the big white canvas on June 19, 2010.  4 months in the works, not counting preparation of the ground and the contemplation of the big white surface.  the intent was to expose young kleptomaniacs, it turned out to be another story about time, place, and intergenerational history.

best and onward

deb.

Progress report: If their mothers knew

grid with thoughts of Poussin's triangular composition.

foiled comp

white aluminum foiled comp

the gilder's oil failed. good, now i can take some chances.

if it's going to fail, might as well do it brilliantly.

now i'm scraping back through the layers.

best,

\deb

ps:  there is a big cruise ship anchored just inside the breakwater.  lots of shuttles flying back and forth.  it's going to be a busy day at bananas.  almost 3000 peeps on the ship including crew.  goodmorninggloucester.com is sure to have plenty of updates to keep you all informed.

the work continues: the wip: if their mothers knew

had to bring this canvas indoors last night to escape the ravages of Earl.  it was a non-event, just rain, good thing i brought it in.  i took this opportunity to work for a bit under incandescent light, and low light.  and started again.  i like the pentimento and heed the advice that some pigments placed over a layer of ivory black may curdle.  i'm making this up as i go along, so who knows what the finished work will be, i surely don't.  not even an intimation, other than there will be figures.

best,

deb.

the work continues: the wip: if their mothers knew

this is the 38x42" canvas that i started earlier this summer.  it has been turned to the wall and moved around until i was ready to deal with it.  this past monday i washed the image down with the thought to define an aluminum field.  not yet.  this painting/drawing is at an interesting stage:  it can go in many directions.  i just don't know which interests me most:  the juxtaposition of absurdly small and absurdly large figures with a mixed up perspective, or do i refine larger torso shapes, the three graces, and leave all the other references to resolve within a few simpler shapes.  the painting is warmer than this photo suggests.  might be time to get a new camera.  best, deb

ps:  i will look at some altar paintings.  somehow those venetian painters managed to make us believe giants dwelt among us and stood on the heads of the prominent citizens.  really, those paintings crack me up hmmmm...

how swiftly the object of my visual affection changes.  art is a fickle lover.

if their mothers only knew, maybe they do

if their mothers only knew, maybe they do
Originally uploaded by debclarke art

this is the wip: formerly known as the ones who would steal. the figures are all glosta gals that i have known over the years. i'm working from my imagination and have scratched off most of the burnt sienna drawing. i'm keeping this in a drawing state for as long as i can. my internal landmarks are isabel bishop's standing figures, giacometti and edwin dickensen. still working out the space.
the space is bananas vintage store on main street in gloucester ma.

best,
deb

the wip: ones that steal

This is what got started on the white angst last night (in between sorting my business papers for my accountant).  My first impulse was to make another landscape attempt, but these chicks kept imposing their images on me.  I have worked in retail off and on for years.  I have had artwork stolen from a cooperative store, caught tweens stealing soaps, caught/suspected chicks of stealing tank tops and camisoles, found evidence that jewelry walked out on someone's wrist, and when i was a child and early teen i stole a pack of chewing gum (guilt made me return it with a confession to Mr. Chatter) and an eyeliner (my friends forced me to return it to woolworth's, although they kept their loot).  another friend was a chronic klepto for a few of her teen years.  so, these standing chicks are the whole lot, including me.  at first there was a lot of anger directed at these women, until i remembered my own experience.  i trust i might develop some compassion as this painting develops and my disappointment in some of these once well liked customers will stay on the canvas and get out from under my skin.

38x42" oil on canvas.

best,

deb.