Musical Ties

Original - Oil on archival canvas wrap

30" x 40"

Ancient musical instruments from Africa are swirling together with contemporary instruments and cultural elements to create a rhythm of harmony. The legacy of music and creative arts is rendered in this Plastic Space abstraction swirling together into a moving breathing entity. I first did a lot of research on ancient African musical instruments to gather images that work within my musical paintings. By sketching out the idea with graphite on paper, I work the design until it has balance and interest. Sometimes this process can take weeks or months until I feel ready to paint. Then I transfer it to canvas where I begin to add color with oils. This is the challenging part and often it takes a life of it's own and can go beyond the original sketch. This process takes time and concentration to complete and can last weeks, months, or in some cases, years. The final product can be a rewarding surprise.