WIN A FREE PAINTING! Do you still see the paintings on your walls?
I bet you remember Jackson Pollock, the artist who became internationally famous for pouring and dripping paint onto huge canvases. But could you describe a single painting he did, other than saying it had colored drips and splats all over it? I think not. And I think if you had the funds to purchase one of his originals, you would soon not even look at it. It would more or less become wallpaper.
At the opposite end of the “pour and drip” artwork spectrum are canvases with solid blocks of color often found in modern art museums. Do you wonder, as my husband does, whether they're really art? His definition of art is if he could do it, it isn't art. I laugh at that comment, even after hearing it for more years than I care to recount. The truth is, I see more than just a solid color. I often note texture and tiny rivers of slightly different shades of the overall color. Still, I've never been tempted to buy one because I know it too would soon become wallpaper.
I want customers who purchase my art to enjoy it for years, not just when it's new. That's why I often add “surprises” within my compositions to keep viewers' interest. Perhaps the best example of that strategy is the painting below, where I embedded a lot that isn't obvious at first glance. I'm betting you will see something different almost every time you pass it. And it will be a “conversation piece” when visitors spot it.
“What Do You See?” has many embedded surprises!
Enlarge the photo (touch the middle of the image with 2 fingers and gently slide them in opposite directions.) The whole image is best viewed on a PC or an iPad. If you are viewing it on a cellphone, enlarge one area at a time.
The first time people see this painting, they almost always mention the vivid colors and the intricate designs throughout. And most ask me how long it took to paint. But there's more to consider. There are objects (cartoon style) hidden among the abstract designs. Can you find them? (HINT: Ignore the circles and scattered flowers and vines.)
Here's something to get you started: Can you find a group of 4 men with their white socks and blue shoes?
Congratulations if you spotted the little men! If not, look on the left of the image where they're peering over a red and yellow swirl just below the midpoint of the painting.
Now here's another surprise: The first 3 people to email me what 5 ANIMALS (includes insects) are hanging out in the painting will be declared the official winners of my first online art contest. Do I hear a drum roll and cheering?
To play: email your list of 5 animals and/or insects to [email protected].
(The little men — or any human images — don't count.)
The winners will be announced by email to all who enter the contest.
Each winner may choose 1 painting. The first person to correctly name the 5 hidden objects will choose 1 painting from all 3 prizes. The second winner may choose from the 2 paintings left. The third winner will receive the painting not yet chosen.
Here are the 3 prizes:
“Sunset on the Seine” (16” x 20” canvas reproduction, signed by the artist. The image continues on all sides.)
“The Village” (16” x 20” canvas reproduction, signed by the artist. The image continues on all sides.)
“Going Fishing” (16” x 20” canvas reproduction, signed by the artist. The image continues on all sides.)
Good luck to all participants!! Do you hear the starting trumpet sounding?
“What Do You See?” is available for purchase on this website.
Tap “Works” on the homepage. Then choose “Abstracts.”
Or contact the artist at [email protected] for more information.
13 1/2” x 27 1/2”, acrylic on canvas with a black/gold “floater” frame included.
Many layers of crystal-clear varnish make this work look like it's made of porcelain.
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