OIL ON CANVAS
50X40 INCHES
The sketch for ‘Girl Eating Grapes’ was made quickly while seated at the bar at the “Odeon” restaurant in Tribecca NYC. Capturing the twist of the torso and crossed legs the essence of the pose. A quick sketch in a public place is a bit like writing short hand. It is useless without a remembered a visual impression to consult later.The nuances and personal features which make this someone in particular were crafted later when applying color to canvas.The quilted banquet red at the Odeon and so are the hi-lites of Helena’s hair and her accessories at that time. When contemplating the look of the picture I wanted movement in the background as she would be motionless in foreground; I composed an atmosphere with a looping brushwork, summer greens and neutral hues to hold them down and compliment Helena’s auburn features and crimson bag. The ground under the back ground paint is a pebbly surface of sealed in sand .For me a painting without texture is like food with out texture; taste may be there but texture provides feel, makes it real. Ultimately the lavender which borders the blue within the torso and legs allows the violet/red vs. green compliment to have its effect without feeling to severe ;a three color composition.