Back to Work
Christmas is behind us now and I’m back at it. I’ve got several pieces in the works and cannot wait to bring them to fruition. I propose adding a new year designation to the Chinese calendar. I will call 2010 the year of the Don…
I’ve been having fun with these little paintings and finished this one early Christmas Eve day. The mask featured is a Carnival joker mask that I added to my collection a couple weeks ago. I have a feeling he’s going to show up in several of my paintings before it’s over with. As with my previous small canvasses, this painting was created using my palette knife on top of a black gesso base. Don’t worry, I’m not getting stuck in a mini-canvas rut, there are still some larger paintings in the works, one of which should be done early next year.
As for this guy, he looks like he knows something I don’t and is quite pleased with himself about it. I feel a bit conflicted about his attitude…
Keeping Secrets – 5″x5″ – Acrylic on canvas – Completed 12-24-09
©2009, Don Michael, Jr.
Nice! This is the “cat that ate the canary” expression. I especially like how you handled light in this one. Keeping most of the mask in shadow with only a few highlights adds to the mystery and really helps illuminate the gold. You should have no trouble finding collectors for these small works!
Thanks, Kathy… Your comment perfectly states what I was going for on this one. Hmmm… sudden thought – maybe I should have had a couple yellow-green feathers floating behind the eyes… I’ll be tucking that idea away for future consideration…
-Don
I like these smaller works you are doing Don. I imagine they will make great studies for your larger pieces too. The photos of you wonderful kids receiving their portraits was priceless! Lastly- I think this guy in your latest posted piece is YOU! : )
PAMO
I think he knows it’s the “Year of the Don.”
Pam… Thank you so much for your great comments, especially about my children. So, I get the sense you’re onto me…
Hallie… I hope that’s a secret he lets out of the bag!
-Don
Hi Don, I’ve been trying to visualize the green feathers behind the eyes that you suggest. Although I think that green would be the correct color to use, I wonder if they would suggest eyes (the iris, perhaps) which could be effective, but I don’t really know. It would be interesting to see your interpretation. Experimentation is always good, and you can paint over them if you don’t like the effect. Here’s another thought: the vacant black eye sockets enhance the beautiful forms and hues patterns that surround them and add an unspeakable air of mystery that is emotionally powerful. Well … I guess it’s hard to predict this one. Experiment away!
Kathy… I love food for thought. Keep the ideas coming! That air of mystery you mention is one of the reasons I enjoy painting these masks so much. What I’m discovering is that not only does my style of painting allow the viewer to mentally finish the paintings for themselves, but the subject matter allows the viewer to project their own interpretations and meaning onto them. The more I experiment the more I learn, not only stylistically and technically, but also metaphorically and psychologically. Your in-depth comments and suggestions have helped me to dig even deeper into these ideas and for this I am eternally thankful.
-Don
Don – you state your purpose very well! Keep going…
There’s a touch of evil to the slant of the smiling eyes…the lower face-cheeks,nose,chin-have a cold metallic look…not someone to turn your back on. Great job, Don!
It was good to see your kids with their paintings…the resemblances were terrific! A lot of warm feelings in that post!
Hi Don!
I really, really like the idea that 2010 is “The Year of Don”. I believe it!
I do like the ’secrets’ this one holds….Cheshire cat smile comes to mind for me. And I’m curious to see what you do with incorporating feathers in another version of this…I think that would really be interesting.
I’m very fond of these smaller paintings.
Happy New Year Don!
~ Kathleen
Dean… Thank you. I like your description of this guy. I’m glad you enjoyed the shots of my family. They are what it’s all about!
Kathleen… Thanks for buying into my “Year of the Don” suggestion. The updated calendar place-mats should be available soon at all Chinese food restaurants.
…just kidding… Thank you for all your generous support and Happy New Year to you and Dan!
-Don
Positively impish! I love the jewel tones. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming work. The Year of the Don has to be a fortunate one, right! I’m going to be checking my placemat at the Great China here in Frederick….
Nice work again! Happy New Year!
Liz… Thanks, I like impish as a description. Let me know when the placemats finally reflect “the year of the Don”.
TL… Thank you. I hope you have a Happy New Year, as well.
Hey Don . . . All discussion of mood aside ,The shadow area around the mouth is a terrific example of color mastery! The many differently hued tones you use in this part of the painting, holding your values close, makes that area of the piece be very lively. Many less experienced painters would use one dull grey for the whole area. Hats Off to you for making a shimmering painting!
Wow, Mike!!! You just made my day! Thank you.
-Don