For the past few days I have been on a mini vacation along the north Oregon coast. I think most people would agree that getting away for even a short period of time can give us a fresh look at ourselves and our lives and as an artist the images that we make. Over the weekend, but most people in the Portland area were being choked by wildfire smoke that same smoke drifted all the way to the Oregon coast and out to sea making for not so much choking but incredible lighting conditions. Here in this photo the sea was turned golden in the sky and incredible warm gray. I find the color gray essential in allowing the stronger colors to breathe and expand.
Last night I attended a lecture at the old Hollywood Theater here in Portland. The subject was the painter Philip Guston, one of my favorites, especially in how he uses color. The lecture was terrific and the insight into the artist by the speaker added to my respect for the artist. That said, the thing that struck me most was Guston's use of gray, warm gray to be specific as a foil for his other stronger colors. It made me aware of what I had experienced over on the coast with that gray wildfire smoke taking the term "golden hour" to a different level for me. I will definitely be visiting the color gray in my newest pieces!
