This post continues with work from my studio during the pandemic. Before March, much of my painting was either with a great bunch of painters or subject to their comments. Painting alone in a studio is very different and can be a challenge. I address this by setting out a series of studies to tackle a specific issue. This month I was inspired by Mark Rothko.

The most peaceful place I have visited in a while is the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas. The Chapel, with it fourteen subdued black and red field-color paintings, is a solemn place. At least it was for me, not so much for Kathy. I have wondered if I could draw a landscape painting from the simple structure of a Rothko Painting. Many of his color-field painting consist or two or more large areas of paint with nuanced surfaces, that is where I started. Here are three of his paintings for reference.

Untitled  Mark Rothko

#142 Mark Rothko

# 7 Mark Rothko

Tying to limit my work to a few solid areas of paint gave me my first study based on an Rothko-styled structure.

Mountain Meadow 1

My second study raised the mid line break up to provide the feeling of distance and added a stream. 

Mountain Meadow Study 2

The third iteration of the study.

Mountain Maedow Study 3

The final iteration of this study returned to the original color theme.

Mountain Meadow 4  11x14" Oil on Canvas

This is a continuation of my work during the pandemic. Coming next are three dimensional objects.

My work can be seen at Woodfield Fine Arts, 2253 Central Ave St Petersburg, 727-254-6981