Commission

MORE COLOR…the Sauk River gives a viewer the action and subtle characteristics in the currents but lets celebrate the sun that christens the melting of the of the glaciers in the surrounding mountains by allowing the sun’s rays to penetrate the surface of the water and have us to see what lies underneath.  It is still a marvel in how a river can change from day to day.  This painting is unique, in that the commissioning audience has spent her life growing up on these waters.  It is all I can do to be in the moment of the stream to record all the underlying rocks that flash their varieties of different colors.  The clock is ticking on how long the sun will be out and show a glimpse of its depths.

The day starts out with the proper preparation of trying to trap the most heat inside of the A-frame easel with tin foil pinched on the side of the work for a temporary tent like structure that reflects the heat back into the work.  The value of heating up the Lexan can not be overstated since the strike of the yarn on the surface is paramount to the success of the painting.  This painting took on three different base tones throughout the day with Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, and to finish off the darkness of winter, Payne’s Grey began to dominate the work.  The view has switched from the previous day in the direction of what was being viewed.  The tail-out on the upper rapids created a V with the white water and as the paintings become more literal the balance and strong shape was captivating for  this piece.

Mixing the different rocks and getting the action for this painting was the best part.  There  are white rocks, and yellow flashes that kept the painting interesting with the contrast created by the disappearing sun.  The highlights on this painting is thicker than the previous day, that doesn’t tickle the movement like the painting from the day before does, but allows for a more bold representation of the fury in the Sauk River.  The kicker for this work is that the land is up for sale on this very special piece of property.  The patron for these pieces says that the work will have more of a significance since it is the home she grew up in and many summers have been spent on this river.  To be allowed to be a part of something so personal makes this experience a captured moment that will be lost to time yet still remembered in the fondness of memories.