Red Hot

Scarlet

Original oil painting 20x16"

by Susan Roux

Sometimes a painting has a mind of its own. So was the case with this one.

I've been having fun exploring soft colored shadows, especially in white. I'd hoped to paint another similar to my past two. Capturing a soft sexy yet innocent feeling. But this hot ticket would not submit to my desires. Her red skirt caused so many problems! Innocence was the furthest thing this painting was ever going to possess.

It was a frustrating journey as I tried to gain control over the attitude of my young lady. In my attempt I furiously added colors to my background. Layering them over and over each other. It was quite odd looking when I dipped my big brush in red and scribbled it everywhere. I just wanted to calm her flirty skirt! That red just screamed.

I'm not sure how artists like Diane Leonard can continually paint red dresses without getting out of control. I see others who have mastered handling such a powerful color. As for myself, I think I'll stay away from the Valentine hue. I'm far more comfortable with the likes of white...

I exploded verbally as night fell and after toiling all day, she still mocked me. I washed my brushes as she stared down over me. I wanted to pull her off the easel. She made me so mad. Perhaps she reminded me of how some girls made me feel way back in high school. Looking down at me like I didn't belong.

The mind can play crazy games sometimes...

A new day can cast a totally different light. I expected to be upset with my canvas. I pulled her off the easel, placed her in a gold frame and set her in a different light. Backing away, I was surprised to see the background shine and glisten as though it had been gilded. The skirt that screamed so loudly at night, calmed in the shimmering atmosphere. The photo doesn't come close to capturing this effect. As I moved around the room, those endless layers that formed my background were as alive as my hot ticket. She's trying to steal the show, but she exists nicely in her environment. I wish I could show her to you as she really appears.

The Wright Gallery

This is the gallery in Cape Porpoise, Maine that represents my work. I love the name.

The Wright Gallery.

I like to tell people that I'm in The Wright Gallery as oppose to the wrong gallery...

It continually gets me a few laughs and I'm always up for laughter!

The owner Charlie is a hoot!

He has a thriving business, even in this injured economy, and I think its due to his personality. People love to come in to see Charlie. Sometimes I wonder if they come for the art at all or solely for a dose of his humor! Either way, they usually leave with art...

There is wonderful art here. Artists who are represented stay on forever. A relationship with the cheerful owner grows until eventually, you become family. You do not find a yearly shift, but rather consistency between these walls. When Charlie takes you on, he puts you under his wing. I feel very comfortable and blessed to be here.

One of my favorite artists at Charlie's is Diane Leonard. She paints dreamy women and children at the beach. Her colors jump at you and the softness makes your mind drift off, as you place yourself in her paintings. It was to my wonderful surprise to find Diane blogging! We've never met. I'm finding her words as sweet, dreamy and wonderful as her art. No doubt she is pouring herself on canvas. When the art reflects the exact personality of its creator, you know the magic is happening!

I'd like to invite you to come see her blog. She is quiet in the blogging world, so few of you have found her. Come treat yourself to be a part of her "dream". And if you're ever in Maine, do stop by The Wright Gallery. You will not regret seeing her glowing art for real! (Plus you get to see mine too...)

Don't forget to tell Charlie I sent you...