I have for several months been working on a rather large painting in between my printmaking assignments. I am afraid it has been treated a bit like the ugly step-child.
As I am now on winter break I was eager to give the painting the attention I thought it deserved. My intention was to create a simpler, more direct narrative. Working on a larger painting was far less challenging than my previous paintings; having spent 2o some years painting murals I am far more comfortable with big. Small paintings leave me feeling cramped, perhaps that may explain the somewhat less successful earlier paintings. I do know that I hope to continue with at least 40 by 50 inch format in the future.
I have called the painting The Resurrection of the Father, please pardon the terrible quality of the image.
The Resurrection of the Father
oil on canvas
40 by 50 inches
The painting was inspired by my continuing fascination with the Popol Vuh narrative; in this instance when the Hero Twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque retrieve the remains of their sacrificed father Hun Hunahpu. Working with my well worn maquettes I created a simpler composition than I have in the past.
I did not fashion my Maize God as I have before, instead I took my inspiration from an early fertility figure found in the Columbia River region of western Oregon. I stumbled upon this treasure when David and I visited Portland Art Museum last summer, we were both enchanted by the priapic fellow. As we are planning to move to Portland in 2014 or so, he seemed a suitable totem for our mutual aspirations.
Stone Figure
Columbia River region
ca.1000-1500 A.D.
Basalt, 55 1/2 x 17 x 6 1/2 in.
I am now in the throes of another painting , readying for an interview with an art school in Portland and of course the upcoming Spring semester. I am also trying to enjoy the final hours of 2012. Wishing all of my blogging chums a very happy 2013!
Until next year,
be well,
LG
Boondocks Babylon 
What a spectacular painting to end the year on – the remains of the father figure, based on that stone carving you saw, is mesmirising, and the hot colours very powerful. It’s such a confident, strong image, I love it. All the very best for 2013, it’s arrived here in the Uk with a beautiful, sparkling clear sunny day, hurrah!
Yes, we were also greeted with a crisp happy day, an optimistic omen! Happy 2013 to you as well, I look forward to seeing more of your work as the year unfolds.
Thank you for your compliments concerning the painting.
Take care,
LG
Wow! Those yellow flames…
Happy New Year Leonard, to you and yours; glad to have made your on-line acquaintance in 2012!
Hot rod flames.
I am also very happy to have met you, will be eager to see what opportunities 2013 brings our way!
Take care,
LG