Phoenix Rising
30" x 30" - acrylic on canvas - $475
I did not intend to paint a 'bird', even a mythical bird. My intent was to create an active, energetic painting surface with (brush) marks using a red/pink/yellow palette - and beyond that - just see what developed. I think I sometimes have a tendency to 'overpaint', trying to perfect something, when really what I want and love is the spontaneity and energy that appears at the beginning of the painting process. Thus my second intent was to stop early enough and keep the energy visible. I did that here and I am really happy with the final work!
The title literally popped into my head as I studied it. Despite it not being a work based on an identifiable subject, the composition - the arrangement of colours and marks - suggested a surge of upward movement and flight. This particular title has been one used recently in our family as we re-build our summer cabin that burned down last year. It literally is rising from the ashes and with it, a sense of renewal. I am hoping that sense of renewal is felt here too.
