I’ve never been a crowd kind of guy.
My painting subjects often reflect this. “Table for One,” my latest oil, is yet another example of this artist’s fascination with the beauty of solitude. This piece (80 cm x 120 cm) is a contrast to “Fluidity,” one I completed recently (read the post here). It also took longer because of the architecture, the perspectives, the lights, and the shadows—all required care and patience.
I love shadows and painting them.
I hope that when you watch the “evolution” video of “Table for One” below that you’ll take a good look into the shadows. While the solitary figure entering this out-of-the-way restaurant (on the island of Folegandros, Greece) is the focal point, the shadows are just as important. When I study and paint shadows, I see so many colors, tints, and shades dancing around, blending into one another. Greece is a goldmine for this with its white walls bouncing the light around. For me, the shadows help underscore the beauty of solitude.
A theme of going it alone.
If you’ve followed previous blog posts about my photography and painting you’ll know that Edward Hopper is my hero in capturing the solitary figure. Beauty can be found in the patterns of a crowd, but I’ll leave that to other artists who excel in that regard.
I’m also enamored of people, like the gentlemen in this picture, who move about in a type of walking meditation. As I get older, I’m more and more drawn to people so comfortable in their own skin that they don’t need to constantly be talking and interacting with others. Ultimately, I believe we’re meant to discover and swim in the sanctuary of peace that resides within each of us. That is my own lesson in aging gracefully.
The beauty of solitude continues…
I’m already hard at work on my next canvas. I’m back in the water with this one. Here’s a teaser: the subject, a solitary woman, is having a reflective moment in more ways than one.
Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the following video (be sure to choose your highest resolution setting) that takes you through the stages of building and finishing this painting. It’s less than a minute!
Hi Jed! What a lovely painting – i felt like I was walking by and stealing a moment. Your painting skills rival your writing…now how about cooking skills? 🙂
So love reading these! Have a great weekend! / Bryan
Thank you, Bryan! I’m soo pleased the painting spoke to you. Actually, I am a decent cook since my adventures in my artist’s studio also spill over into being adventurous in the kitchen. Have a great weekend, too! Jed
Absolutely stunning! You have quite a gift. Thank you
Grazie mille, Susie! You’re very kind!
Is it really a painting ? I thought it’s a photo. Bravo Jed. Painting or drawing is in my bucket list for long time, knowing I am not talented at all, I tend to delay it. 😛
Hi Judy, I’m glad you like the painting. For me, it’s interesting to see the photo reference and compare it after finishing the work. A camera captures so much, but all the subtle colors of light dancing around in the shadows often elude the camera! It’s never too late to start painting and drawing. My oldest sister just started a few years ago and she has really taken off! Jed
This painting is simply stunning!!
I love to hear your commentary on aspects that one might miss, such as the shadows. I also love how you highlight a single figure in your paintings.
The video shows a brief view into the process involved. You are an outstanding artist.
Thanks for sharing.
All the best to you and Simone!!
You’re so sweet, Robin! Thank you. More and more I’m just going with the flow as I paint and only in retrospect do I see what I was doing, almost unconsciously. I guess that’s when I’m residing in the right side of my brain. Kisses and hugs to you and Markus!
Table for One is Fantastic! I loved watching the video and seeing all the layers and love you put into it!
Thank you, Stephanie! I’m trying to get in the habit of chronicling the many stages of every painting since so many people are telling me they like seeing the “build.” xoxox