3:57
The eleventh in a series of paintings that explore surrealistic themes. The paintings include Sandhill Cranes in unexpected environments. Mystery, as always, is at the core. It has been suggested that the series may be a response to the pandemic to which it corresponds temporally. The idea of seemingly ordinary environments feeling somehow out of place. In addition, the painting explores the experience of being alone. Who do we become and what do we consider when completely unobserved and uninhibited by the presence of others.
Responses (1)
February 17, 2023
Another amazing piece, Bruce. The hits just keep on coming!
This one has such depth and the sense of loneliness and abandonment is overwhelming. I think you would normally take something like this for a peaceful scene, but there is a disquiet to it, and I am certain that is intentional. you have a traditional, breaking of the rule of thirds in a balanced way as it should be, and all of the elements are "natural" but the disquiet I believe comes from the fact that the tracks are leading up and to the left. Psychology tells us that at least in this culture… actually, in many cultures, things going from left to right feel natural, however because of the placement of the tracks, there is a sense of traveling up them rather than towards us.
The geometric equivalent of a large triangle with the point of it directly in the center of the left side of the painting, is like a giant sign post that also pushes us left.
I'm not sure if I'm right about this, but that's why this lends the sense of imbalance in a psychological way.
This is really good.
February 18, 2023
thank you Steven. You have a greater understanding of the dynamics of composition than I do, despite my 50 years experience. I am occasionally aware of intentionally breaking rules, and sometimes when sketching out a composition, or altering it during the process, I intuitively sense the impact it could have. initially, I considered altering the direction of the track to curve back ( a little) toward the center in the distance. But honestly, that seemed too hopeful somehow. The sense of loneliness became important as the painting progressed, and I made choices to underscore it. Getting notes from other artists, especially experienced skilled artists is very gratifying and in some cases informative and educational. Despite my decades of experience, every painting can feel daunting. Your response helps me to feel I’m on the right track. Thank you.
February 18, 2023
Yeah, this is one of those paintings where it really stopped me, and I stared at it for quite a while. It got me. The sense in it spells something impending, while also being completely still. BUT...on further observation, and being more practical about it...it's also probably due to the fact that these are tracks, this is a train station, and there is a clock, plus the bird's head is completely cocked sideways, as if listening for something, or it heard something. The fact that the moon is pretty much "half" revealed by the roof angle...That all spells "anticipation", hence the tension. I'd be willing to buy all of that rather than what I just said, even though what I said about the track direction and triangle and such is true, I believe. And 3:57 is such an odd time, but it is definitely AM, the very center of morning dark, when you would expect a moment of absolutely silence, even at a train station.
Other things I love about it...the fog, the trees, and half moon peeking around that crazy extreme slant of the roof edge.. they are all so convincing, while also being expressed artisically enough to still remain...well "painterly", as that expression goes.
I do love this painting Bruce. I like it enough that I would go so far as to say I'd trade you one of mine for it. You should look through my stuff and see if you like anything that would be of equivalent value. I'm serious.
Speaking also of painting hard lines and angles, and psychological spaces, would you please look at my 2 paintings that are really a "pair", called "Divorce" and "Engagement". I wonder what you think of those. Would love to hear from you.
- Category
- Animals, Landscape
- Type
- Painting - Unframed
- Materials
- Oil, Canvas
- Dimensions
-
30.00 inches wide
40.00 inches tall
1.60 inches deep - Weight
- 6.00 lbs
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA, US
