Working with the Blues: Part 2

Digging deeper into my blues archive finds this painting from my ‘Totem’ triptych.

‘Totem One’ 1999 24 x 36″ acrylic on canvas

This is one of a triptych that pays homage to Jack Shadbolt. It’s apparent in this piece he’s a strong influence.

I studied with painter Gordon Caruso at Langara College in Vancouver. He’d been a student of Shadbolts at the Vancouver School of Art, now ECCAD (Emily Carr College of Art and Design.

Mr. Caruso insisted on discipline and rigour from his students, something he learned with Shadbolt.

‘In Search of Form’ is Shadbolts excellent book published by McClelland & Stewart in 1968. It’s a touch stone book for me.

‘Blue Rising’ 2012 36 x 48″ acrylic and pumice on canvas

The rising forms in this piece are similar to ‘Totem’. The approach here is more graphic and hard edge. Pumice makes an appearance in this piece. It’s a material that’s become part of my painting tool kit. I like carving into the material to create a sculpted surface.

Share this post