"In the pit - Dress rehersal for Washington Summer Opera's 2002 production of Ariadne aux Naxos for the June Diana Moses Botkin Artist's Challenge - Chiaroscuro"

Oil on museum quality Ampersand Gessobord panel - 7" x 10"

Quite a title, eh.  I was trying to outdo Turner for longest title.  His "Snowstorm - steam boat off a harbor's mouth making signals in shallow water, and going by the lead." has been imbedded in my brain since Studio class back in '69.  Each week our instructor, Charles Wagner, enlightened us with what he called "The story behind the painting," the back story of various famous paintings through the ages. But I digress.  This month was my turn to pick the theme and I chose Chiaroscuro.  This sketchy little study isn't quite as I had envisioned it in my mind when I chose the challenge.  I was hoping for more Caravaggio and less Lautrec (I should be so good).

Here are my fellow challenge artists work:

"Theological Studies"
Oil on hardboard, 5"x7"
©2012 Diana Moses Botkin

"Basque Dancer"
oil   7" x 9"

©2012 Mary Maxam

 

Vicki Ross
10x16" Oil on Linen
© V.N.Ross

"Half and Half"

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

What can I say about a proper pint of Guinness and Harp? When done right, it is a thing of beauty. A half-and-half is often just another name for a Black & Tan. However, in most North American Irish pubs, the Bass/Guinness combination is called a Black & Tan, while the Harp/Guinness combination is called a Half-and-Half. Either way, it is delicious. Two days ago I painted a black and tan dachshund named Henry.  I knew there was a reason I liked the little guy. Could this be a theme?  Of my two studio cats - one is black and tan; a frail but beautiful 18 year old, seal-point Siamese queen named Anna.  The other, J.J., a foundling white and ginger American shorthair, is a half and half - half angel/half monster (mostly angel). After yesterday's technically challenging sprite, this painting was a walk in the park; a fun, colorful exercise.  I even broke out my ancient trowel palette knife to add some color and texture to An Poitin Stil's worn wooden table.    Sláinte!