The sun and moon; natural light source of our days and nights. I have given them faces. Willow stick charcoal has the inky blackness of deep space. I often picture the planets as heads tumbling through space, connected perhaps by gravity but separate. Here the moon is a jagged Easter Island head, with … More Sun and Moon
Charm and seduction vs.war and destruction; opposites inspire art. In black and white, naked Venus easily disarms uptight Mars. In colour Mars reins in his chariot on a cliff as a radiant Venus washes ashore. I see conflict ahead! May you overcome! Barry.
We are back again in the land of pre-human social interaction. This oval composition is another take on last weeks theme. I like the contrast in their expressions. This version is perhaps the simplest looking but the one I am most proud of. From the crazy springiness of the lines to the simple separation of … More Nymph and Satyr : Part II
Nymph and satyrs were the wild, mythic half-human creatures of ancient times. In my childhood, the Greek myths provided a welcome antidote to the strict morality of Sunday school. I have portrayed this scene often…. An early portrayal. I like the curled-up morning-glories in her hair. In the second I’m aiming for Rubens, the Flemish … More Nymph and Satyr
Here are two versions of the same theme painted one after another. In an earlier post we presented Salome dancing. Here we find her enjoying her reward for the dance, the severed head of John the Baptist delivered to her on a platter. Version # 1; I like the speedy application of paint in this … More Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
Some people find the winter dreary but I never mind. Here a red jacket enlivens a scene through the frame of the Gunn St. train bridge. On sunny days our winters can be blindingly bright and colourful. Here the blue footprints of a previous hiker mark the path. You can almost see his … More Winter Walk
In the bible, Salome dances before King Herod, pleasing him so much that he promises her anything in return. She asks that the head of John the Baptist be brought to her on a charger. Salome Dancing (1987). Here is a quick charcoal sketch with rough abstract marks that I think still manages to set … More Salome Dancing
I’m proud of this tableau featuring a Royal table laden with meat, drink , music and psychological drama. I guess it’s my mini version of “the last supper”. I give myself a high-five for how the candlelight floods such an active but stable composition. As the little guy in front says,”to your health!”, Barry
This week’s blog is dedicated to my daughter Holly, who talked me into starting this blog, designed the website and has always encouraged me to get my artwork to a wider audience. She is studying abroad for six months and will be sorely missed. Strong Women In Greek mythology Medusa was a gorgon who could … More Strong Women
Snow, even with global warming a regular feature of our winter here in London, Ontario. There’s always something magical in the way it falls or how a heavy snow can make the world go so quiet. To paint it requires some tricks and a few false starts. I’ve shot paint off the bristles of a … More Snow
Barry Trower 