2005-2008

8 0 " P a s t e l P a i n t i n g s

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These large-scale 80" Pastel Paintings followed the 40" Pastel Paintings. Working horizontally, I completely wet the large sheet of paper and worked from the nude model with compressed pastel, which, when wet, is very intense, thick, spontaneous, uncontrollable and sensuous. I could not be clean or accurate, but I could wash out and put in new heads and figures as often as needed until something unexpected happened. By this process a world peopled with unusual characters emerged. I discovered a form of psychological realism, a commentary on the human condition and interrelationships. It's the psychological aspect that interests me, and I believe the viewer responds to. It sucks them in and keeps them there, sometimes uncomfortably so.