AVAILABLE - Uncomplicated Happiness (20x40")

After hibernating all winter (the oil paint needed time to cure), Uncomplicated Happiness is finally seeing the light of day. Fittingly, it seems to glow with a light of its own. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

The composition, colour scheme, and texture choices for this piece are exceedingly simple. In terms of composition, think relaxed Yin-Yang. An implied curving diagonal line runs from upper left to lower right, with the sky above and trees below. There are really only two colours in this piece, though both are secondary colours mixed with white: orange for the sky, and purple for the trees. In terms of texture, the sky section is relatively smooth, at least in contrast with the luscious buttercream textured of the trees below.

The overall simplicity balances some very complicated underpinnings. This is a mixed media piece, which means that there is much more going on than can be taken in at first glance. First, the soft peach underpainting sets the tone, and unifies the painting despite the inherent contrast between orange and purple. Bits of the peach show through between the trees, softening the contrast and making it feel natural rather than contrived. In addition, spray paint was used to further soften the contrast, and to bring some of the purple from the trees into the sky. Finally, the trees were formed with a palette knife, though the paint was applied more like cake icing than, well, like paint. Even the trees have curving, soft, edges. There is not a straight line to be found in this artwork - there isn't even an horizon separating the heavens from the earth.

Uncomplicated Happiness represents a paradox. In a world in crisis, where we are being assaulted by bad news every second of every day, is it even possible to find happiness? If so, can that happiness possibly be uncomplicated?

This painting says yes to reclaiming uncomplicated happiness. It says that you and I are part of nature as much as the trees are. It says that life is not easy, but finding your equilibrium can perhaps be as simple as returning to nature for a walk in the woods, or a swim in a lake. It says that the planet Earth and the universe are so much bigger and more beautiful than the petty politics we are pushed to focus on. It's a reminder to take a deep breath and refocus; things will, eventually, all work out.