August 26, 2008

"Urinal"

Oil on museum quality, archival ampersand gessobord™ panel - 6” x 8”


OK, so I lied.  Perhaps it doesn't have to be an animate subject to have fun with the light and paint.  While I was in "chrome" mode I thought I would experiment with some loose paint and a piece of iconic porcelain.  No Dadaist I, but I figured if it was good enough for Marcel Duchamp last century with his readymade "Fountain," why not have a go (no pun intended) and reprise it here. This particular plumbing fixture resides in the mens room of the Dogwood Gourmet in Baltimore.  Elegant marble tile, rose tones and dramatic lighting raise the lowly pissoir to new heights, creating a theatrical aquatic display. 


I'll be out of the studio for a couple of days.  Look for new work on Saturday.

13 comments:

Jeff Mahorney said...

I love it! The Chiaroscuro lighting from above makes it seem forebodding which is fun. beautiful color variations in the tile. Wonderful work. :)

Diane said...

interesting contrast of textures...the wall, the stone, porcelain, and subject matter. Nicly executed

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Jeff
It looks like I'm working your side of the street with this bathroom piece. I have been happily living with your painting for months and want to see more (hint, hint). I miss seeing your work on the DP.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Diane. Do you think Galen will approve?

Todd Bonita said...

I clicked over to comment on the motorcycle painting and then saw the urinal...wow! Your body of work is consistently solid painting.stunning. I'm originally from Boston so allow me to call this one "wicked pissa"
Best,
Todd

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Todd.
I wanted to post this before I went on vacation. It is stealing some of the Harley's thunder. It must be the chrome.

Anonymous said...

Mark,

You are a hoot! Love this piece and the Harley piece too.

Hope Sue is doing well.

Debby

Don Gray said...

I was going to say what a great painting this is, but I've really got to go...

Sheila Vaughan said...

The way you've rendered the porcelain and the tiles is fantastic and choice of subject terrific. Good on you Mark.

jcmcgee said...

wow, I enjoy the unique subjects of your art and the amazing quality! :)
-Jalena

Mark Adams said...

Hi, everybody.
I'm back from Newport,Ri and grateful for all the nice comments. I will be painting tomorrow so look for something fun on Saturday.

Diana Moses Botkin said...

It's a flowing piece, full of cheek... perfect for inspiring patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

So... did you bring along your travel easel and paint this in the men's room? Or were you surreptitiously waiting until all visitors left so you could set up your tripod and camera to take some reference shots?

Mark Adams said...

Hi, Diana. Would this have been a foul-air painting instead of plein-air? As you may have guessed, I grabbed this image with my trusty elph with one foot on the door.