Focus on “Symphony in Blue & Orange

Symphony in Blue and Orange 23” x 35” (59 x 90 cm), pastel

Every painting has a story.

A large tube float shouts SUMMER! From family speed boat drivers to daredevil tube riders, many lake vacationers have filled one of these fun roles or hoped to do so one day. (As a former rider, I can attest that the ride is awesome!)

“Symphony in Blue & Orange” is just that. Its scale alone (23″ x 35″) demands attention. The calm waters it sits in, barely a ripple, denies its exciting potential. But it cannot hide its true purpose: the orange color gives it away.

“I am orange and I can fly over the blue waters under the blue sky. With waves and speedboat sounds, we will create unforgettable moments of fun.”

Artist Notes

Why did I choose this subject? This big, beautiful float was usually in action when I was at my lake house. The neighbor’s float, it entertained many happy children and children-at-heart over the course of several summers. It was a sight to be seen and heard (happy screams, shouting, motorboat engine pulling). But when I saw it toward the end of a season moored in the calm waters, “off duty,” it seemed to take on a symbolic meaning: that of summer itself, and it made me smile. I decided to paint it.

Why the orange color? It actually was orange and perfectly so. Why change perfection?

Why the leaning pole at the left? That pole is a figment of my imagination. Loosely based on our wharf’s support poles, I decided to include it as a compositional element, to help keep the viewer’s eyes in the painting and on the float, then into the distance. It also, I believe, gives the painting an element of mystery. I like my paintings to make people think, and I believe that pole does it.

Why the long lake view? Because I love summer, and I always hope it will be long and fun. With a float like this, it probably will.

On view at the Heywood Gallery, 921 Main St., Waldoboro, Maine, on Saturday, July 15th from noon to 5:00 pm.