Just Relax.

I've always been interested in stealing somewhat iconic aspects from famous paintings. Many of my figures strike poses based on those seen in Manet, Matisse, even Ingres and David. While they may evolve during the process into something completely different, the intention is to reference strong compositions and poses from the past. Whether immediately recognizable or not. I think that brings something timeless to a painting and gives it a strong foundation to build from. 

With an arm somewhat uncomfortably pinned to his side, the ghostly black figure came pretty naturally and holds the main character close. He whispers in his ear while staring mischievously at the viewer. The figure stares blankly off frame from dark black eyes; an expression as if he is resigned to his fate, lost in thought, stuck in place. A foot sticks out from the beneath the blanket and fingers emerge from a shadow to enhance the uneasiness of the scene.

If you ever want someone in a state of anxiety to stay there, tell them to relax. 

When I started this painting all I had in mind was the color pink...or peach. I assumed there would be a figure but color was really all I thought about and spent the first 30 minutes mixing some new paints and getting the peachy-pink background down. 

I didn't have a plan for this painting or what it would mean. At first I thought it would be a relaxing beach scene, perhaps with more foliage creeping in. But the second I added the black barbed "leaves" seemingly threatening the bather, the scene transformed into a juxtaposition of serenity and anxiety. The bright orange became electric, the patterned towel vibrated like static on an old TV screen, and the figure, once sitting peacefully, seemed to be twisting uncomfortably.

A red striped piece of cloth extends from the lower left indicating the presence of another person out of frame, vaguely where the figures gaze is aimed...is this the cause of anxiety? Did this other person bring the ghostly figure along? What thoughts trap the figure in situ?

No matter how i read the painting, I always try to leave it open ended enough so that each viewer can put a bit of themselves into the narrative. Usually interpretations are relatively similar to my intention, but even if that isn't the case, I prefer that each viewer connect on a personal level rather than try to figure out what I meant to say. 

I started Just Relax with the sole desire to get some paint on a canvas. It had been a busy week and I had spent most of my free time prepping for more commercial projects. I had to let my mind and hand wander a bit. What began with a focus on color quickly shifted to a somewhat haunting scene; the darkness of the ghostly figure offset by the bright teal and orange of a delightful day on the beach. I saw a bit of myself in the figure though I'm unsure what the ghost whispers. I suppose we all have moments where a voice derails our positive thoughts despite reality.