Okay – this is a pencil drawing, not technically a painting. It’s my day 10 of the #30paintingsin30days anyway. This is another clarinet piece – Octave. I love the face singing “ooh”- I think the clarinet is a singing instrument.
music
Clarinet
Day 9 of the #30paintingsin30days – I worked a bit more on this piece and can see a few more spots to continue working on. I dug up my first clarinet and used it to help me find shapes. Usually I just use a photo if I am painting an object. It was nice to have a tangible object to work with. Nice to reconnect with my clarinet.
The Sweet Spot
Day 8 in the #30paintingsin30days challenge. This is an acrylic painting on wood panel (12×12). I play clarinet and just adore all aspects of it (with the exception of the sound of an A note). It’s elegant looking (black and silver), perfectly sized and has a versatile sound (Jazz to orchestra). While I admit, it is not a “cool” instrument – doubt we’ll get a charismatic politician to play it on a late night show nor will we get a Clarence Clemons like figure to play clarinet in the rock world. I could still dream! I also kinda like it not being cool.
I titled this the “Sweet Spot” because it is focused on the lower joint. This is where you’ll find the keys for the lower register, the sweet spot of the clarinet’s sound.
Clarinet as art
This is a work in progress/study. I am working from a wonderful photo I found (check it out here). I have to say, I much prefer working with brushes versus the poured paint. Back to my comfort zone!
I love the lower register of the clarinet. This is where the best sounds are found. I’m still deciding if the orientation is going to bother me. When you play, the keys that look like fingernails, are at the bottom. When I turn the canvas around, it just doesn’t look correct.
Shipbuilding
Here’s my most recent painting. It is a continuation on my song and lyrics theme. I was inspired by Elvis Costello’s “Shipbuilding.” It’s one of my favorite songs – beautiful lyrics and music. The Chet Baker trumpet part gets me every time.
The song is about the contradiction of war – that it brings “prosperity” and loss to the communities dependent on war income. It’s a diabolical relationship.
“With all the will in the world
Diving for dear life
When we could be diving for pearls”
-Elvis Costello, Shipbuilding
“I’d love to turn you on”
I worked on this pencil drawing yesterday. I’ve done drawings of switch plates and even have a “painting” where I attached switch plates to a canvas. I just love their simple design and this delights my minimalism spirit!
I also love connecting images to lyrics or song titles. This one comes from The Beatles – “A Day in the Life” – The line is likely a drug reference but I’d like to reclaim it as one wanting to please another. Lennon sings this so passionately. Giving pleasure to others is the most supreme act one can do.
April work night – 4/14/16
The Downtown Art Studios in Livermore will have its work night – open studio. Thursday April 14 6pm – 8pm 62 South L street in downtown Livermore. I will be there working on my latest piece pictured here.
That Bari sax has so many intricacies- I hope to do it justice! This is part of my new series of work focused on instruments that are important in our lives. My daughter plays a mean Bari!
Here’s other work connected to this series:
Hope you can come out to the studio!
On The Wall by Amy 