I found my marbles!

My current project is an oil painting on a 30"x40" canvas. When I began painting in 2007, I was fascinated by the works of the 1960's and 70's photorealists. I still am. One of my favorite art book purchases is relatively rare pictorial,  "Photorealism," written by Louis K. Meisel. Typing "photorealism" in a Google Search, you will likely find Wikipedia as one of the top results. Wikipedia credits Meisel with coining the term, "photorealism."

One of the artists in Meisel's book is Charles Bell. He painted still life, including beautiful marbles. Bell died in 1995 at the age of 60. His marble paintings are perfect, and they serve as a excellent example for me to try and emulate. This is a HUGE challenge! Of course, my painting is not exactly like his, but they have similar elements - glass and light!

I enjoy painting things that we use in play, such as marbles, jacks, balls, manikins, etc. Humans have been playing, and playing games, well into ancient history, based upon archeological finds. The pieces I use in my paintings connect me to my youth, my family, and my friends, and serve to remind me that play is an important part of our lives. I think it is one activity that can connect all of us. Look at what Pokémon Go accomplished in just a few weeks. We like to play. 

I hope you find some time for play in your week.