Moondance #2 Drawing

“Moondance #2,” 2013 [from the series ca. 2000-present]. Pastel on Winsor & Newton watercolor paper (pastel drawing) 30.00" H x 22.25" W (76.20 x 56.515 cm) ”Moondance #2" is another breathtaking piece in an ongoing series of eloquent works in which Jay Worth Allen celebrates life through the exploration of various aspects of womanhood: her plights, joys, beauty, and timeless inspiration to any and all who encounter her. In this work, the form of the female nude is used for womankind to interact with the magical illumination of moonlight. Black, white and gold pastels have been masterfully executed on white watercolor paper, giving us a female nude in exquisite repose, dancing, bathing in bright moonlight, golden hair flowing, arms stretched above and behind, cleansed and entwined in tranquility, illuminated by the moon's brilliant light— a perfect picture capturing that private of moments when nothing in the world matters but the experiencing of pure and unadulterated peace — a yin to the artist's "Woman Crucified." As with so many of Jay Worth Allen’s works, complex harmonies within contrasting components play a major role in the composition and message of “Moondance #2” — whereas, we see the shadows engulfing the figure in “Woman Crucified,” the shadows here celebrate life with the dancing form, as if protecting her from the outside world — a rightful companion to “Moondance #1” and “Moondance #3.” To delve a bit deeper into the underlying theme propelling this moving series — the Celebration of Life Through Woman, which is a favorite of this profound artist: Some critics have described this recurring theme in others’ works, as the freedom of womanhood laid bare. Yes, while we have seen this particular “freedom” in the works of past masters, such as Renoir, Rubens, and even Fragonard in which any reference to socio-economic status has been removed (rendering the subject “bare”), there is a marked departure from their women in Jay Worth Allen’s works. For him, the Celebration of Womanhood equals Beauty and Vulnerability, and, Strength, the resulting inherent synergistic combination of the two former attributes. Hence, “Moondance #2” portrays an innocence and perfect harmony of beauty and vulnerability — transcendent of innocence or nativity, but known, safe, secure and at rest — created through the use of his signature “stark darks, bright whites, and vivid color” to fully emphasize his message. Jay Worth Allen is passionate. And as the artist, every facet of his work is imbued with that passion, which includes the materials he uses to create his art. “Moondance #2,” is created on high quality watercolor paper (as are all of his works on paper), instead of pastel, Ingres or other lighter papers usually found as a base for pastel works. Why? “The answer is simple.” —In his own words: “The reason I use watercolor [paper] for my drawings and pastels is because they are heavier, thicker, and stronger than other paper . . . that way, I can draw on the whole piece . . . including all the way past the edges!” “Moondance #2” has, as have the other works in this series, been deemed an “extremely important work” by collectors and critics alike — having been shown in several U.S. museums and galleries, as well as private showings. [To learn more about this particular work, the series, and this magnificent artist’s inspiration, please see Diana Dreams of Flying — [https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Diana-Dreams-of-Flying/733729/2263912/view]. Additional works in this ongoing series will be offered here as well; please visit Jay Worth Allen's profile for more information, and to view other works currently being offered through Saatchi Art. We appreciate and encourage any comments. Thank you. A quick note on framing & mounting: For the best display of "Moondance #2," the work should be mounted by floating — to ensure every touch of the artist's hand is experienced. Regarding shipping, this work is from the artists' private collection and has previously been mounted. However, the work will ship flat (unframed), in accordance with Saatchi Art's shipping policies.

Drawing:Pastel on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:22.3 W x 30 H x 0.1 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.