Painting paroxysms

Volcanic paroxysms, that is.  A paroxysm is, as you know, a sudden, violent outburst of energy. I have them, you have them. Even educated fleas have them. Ours pale in comparison to volcanic ones. At least, mine do and I hope yours do, too.

So now, after my recent illustration for The Morning News, I can't stop painting volcanoes!  

This subject has grabbed hold of my very being and it won't let go. It's no surprise, really. I was born on a dormant volcano, one of the Aleutian arc volcanoes, in the Bering Sea. A lifelong wanderer, I have felt most at home on this planet in Iceland, a country that absolutely oozes volcanic and other forms of primal energy.

I have long been drawn to exploding, expansive gestures. 

 

 

My love of fountains is another example of my attraction to expulsive energy.

I'm working right now on 7 volcano paintings, the first in what I believe/hope will be a longer series. These are smallish, 11" x 14", a great size for beginning exploration of the subject. Medium is acrylic on board, though I have some water soluble oils I can't wait to try with this series!

 

So, onward, volcanically. I'm learning as I go what works and what doesn't with these paintings and I'm really enjoying the process. I'll have more to say and show soon.

Comments

[Laura]

Thanks so much for your encouraging comments, guys! I'm still on the volcano trail!

[Megan]

Your volcano series is inspiring! I love the spirit and beauty of them!

[Sue Pownall]

I really enjoy the energy you are capturing in these paintings. It will be a great series!

[Cris, Artist in Oregon]

Wow.. I can feel the heat of these. Nicely done.

[vivien]

Fabulous series and well worth continuing - you catch the power and intensity beautifully in seemingly simple marks - but we know how skillful 'simple' is :>)

[concetta flore]

Laura they're so powerful, I could figure out the outburst even in black and white (worth giving a try, hey?). Ca't wait to see more- you must be having the time of your life!