Curtain Call
After lighting this one from below with an intense light source, I wanted to create a ‘reason’ for this light. What better than a cloudy sky with the sun trying to explode thru? I then flipped the sky and made it appear that the mask was above the sky and looking down, giving the mask an almost supernatural feel.
My son, Eric, picked up on that supernatural feeling and wanted me to call this one Alpha and Omega. But, my wife, Laura, did not want me to (in her words), “put a face on God”. Her take on it was more hollywood, or someone on a stage in the limelight. So I settled on a title that I felt was a perfect compromise and yet has a really cool abstract nature to it.
An interesting side note: I see this painting as happy and friendly, but my daughter, Christina (10), says “this one is scary and evil” (thankfully, no nightmares…). I absolutely LOVE how everyone takes something different from each of my paintings. It’s like these masks each have a life of their own and speak to each person in a totally unique way.
Curtain Call – 30″x24″ – Acrylic on Canvas – Completed 6-13-09
©2009, Don Michael, Jr.
Hey I’m with Eric! I know that God is up there having a good belly laugh at us mortals sometimes. To quote my nephew Ryan: “God has a really great sense of humor. And I’m happy that I make him laugh once in a while.” I think this is exactly what he would look like.
Thanks, Deborah, for sharing Ryan’s take on God’s sense of humor. I’m not sure what God looks like, but I do imagine he has a great smile. -Don
Hi Don.
As with all of your paintings, this definitely evokes an emotional response. At first I think I was with your daughter as it came across as a little scary. After taking it all in and reading your commentary I can see the smile, the laughter and the fun. It is very dramatic and well done of course!
I found a picture of Masks in a National Geographic magazine on Sunday morning as I was looking for some design inspirations for my workshop that day. Of course I thought about you and took a digital of the picture to share. I’ll get it emailed to you…maybe you’ve already seen it. But I could definitely see them as potential painting subjects for you.
Thanks for your feedback on my first workshop project too!
Kathleen
Hey Kathleen, Thanks for thinking of me when you saw the mask in NG. I look forward to seeing the photo you took. It makes me proud that “Curtain Call” created in you a strong emotional response. Mission accomplished…
) -Don
This is a great painting, Don! I agree with your daughter … a little scary. But, wow! The uplighting and fiery sky are very effective, and your technique is excellent. It reminds me of Dante’s “Inferno.” You could do a whole set of masks that interpret that important piece of literature
Absolutely STUNNING!!! not scary to me, joyful, like a feenix (can’t spell correctly here, dont’ laugh) rising from happy flames if that makes sense. i get a sense of joy and peace from the white hot light. beautifully done. suz
I like the Dante’s Inferno reference, Kathy. I hadn’t even thought of that. It really makes me smile how each person is responding so differently to the same piece. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. -Don
Wow, thanks, Suz. I really like your phoenix reference (and, no, I’m not laughing). Another great idea I hadn’t thought of. Joy is probably the best descriptor for my personal feelings on this one. -Don
Hi Don! This is Lori from Michaels. I took a quick look and your paintings are fabulous! I don’t find this scary. I find it very dynamic and powerful!
Hey Don! Just found this on Twitter enter it!
http://www.utrechtart.com/contest/index.cfm
Hi Lori, Welcome to my blog and thank you so much for your comments. Dynamic and powerful is a perfect description of what I was going for. Thanks also for the link to the Ultrech competition. I just printed out their prospectus early last week and intend to enter. -Don
[...] case you’re interested, I originally blogged about Curtain Call here upon its completion last [...]