"Vessel"

My new painting is titled "Vessel." I began this piece during my oil painting class, and my students commented on how the under-painting looked like a ship. This was complete serendipity. As I have spent so much time drawing and painting boats in the course of my graduate work, the structure of the boat unintentionally manifested itself into my under-painting of trees.

I, unfortunately, did not get a good picture of this under-painting as I was anxious to finish the work. If you look at the overriding structure of tree trunks and branches, though, they kind of resemble masts.

When I started thinking of this image I was on a walk through the woods contemplating the power of becoming a vessel, of allowing yourself to step aside and let higher powers move through you. It is counter-intuitive that, in relinquishing your own ego and sense of yourself, you become more powerful. You allow yourself to become more than you can possibly be just on your own two feet. The trick is in getting yourself out of your own way!

Thus "Vessel" is a play on words but is very much on my mind on all counts.

The piece is an oil on canvas, 24" x 48" in size, and my ego is allowing me to sell it for $995.

Happy painting, walking, and contemplating to you as we head towards June!

Dawn