INK WATER GOLD: Happy Hour Painting

These began as ink and watercolor journal entries while spending a very healing time in St. John, USVI and Long Island, Bahamas. I could not stop making them when I got home and they’ve developed to become more textured and layered. Included to the process now are gold/copper leaf, rice paper, resin on a 5x7/4x6 hardboard. Some are made individually, others in small groups and the larger pieces are mounted to an unstretched canvas (this one is mounted on linen). After two years of delving deep in political expression with my work, I welcomed the playfulness of these patinated pieces. This piece, titled "Happy Hour," measures 24x34 inches. Its composition consists of a grid of vertical rectangular panels on chip board. Each panel features a light aqua or seafoam green background, creating a cool and soothing tone. Towards the bottom of each panel, evenly spaced vertical droplets or dots form a gradient of colors ranging from yellow to blue. From these colored dots, thin, dark vertical lines extend upwards, almost reaching the top of the panel. The repetition of this pattern across multiple panels brings a sense of rhythm and unity to the piece. The overall impression is one of simplicity and ordered variation within a structured format. Mediums used in this artwork include ink water color, copper and gold leaf, ricepaper, and resin. The combination of these materials adds texture and depth, complementing the minimalist design with a tactile quality. The structured layout and careful color gradation offer a harmonious blend of elements, making "Happy Hour" a visually balanced and meditative composition.