Vermilion Summer - Part 3

I thought this was the last of these, but there is another one partially done in the garage… also about summer and vermilion.

So this is part 3 of 4, now.

This one is less abstract, more resolved, colors clearer, contrasts and composition simpler (and more flat). This one began with the usual pile of lines and shapes, and then the green fern-like compound leaf emerged, demanding a vermilion background. That set the tone for everything else. More Monkey Flowers, probably looking the most like monkeys of any I’ve drawn. Last to appear was the katydid. The turtle was there in the random lines, though I didn’t know what it was until late in the pastel. The flowers in the upper left are a summer favorite of mine - Helenium. We don’t grow any, but we get them in bouquets in the last summer from Marcia Tice, who owns Cut and Carry Bouquets here in Hillsborough. Marcia knows us and our tastes in flowers well, and usually goes for a “whole crayon box” look for our weekly bouquet; the more vibrant and pure the colors, the better we like it.

The blue shape in the upper right is the Nagual (the alternate state of awareness, not the person). This is not the first time it has shown up in my work.

I particularly love the hot clouds and sky in this piece; the photo does not do them justice.

I call this one “Ever Summer.” It was done for Laura, who is holding on to summer this year with both fists. It’s framed and hanging in the kitchen already. Which released the Pangolin…

18 x 24 inches - Pastel and Sharpie on kraft paper