Clowning Around

 

Clowning Around

24" x 12"   oil on panel

The J. Chein Company began in a New York City loft in 1903. They made small tin prizes for Cracker Jack's and other small toys for five and dime stores. They also built their reputation for larger tin toys and tin banks that are now sought out by toy collectors, myself included.

This painting features a 1950's J. Chein Tin Hoppy Clown. He is a wind-up clown that hops and moves back and forth on his hands. This version can also be found with silver or yellow hands. Another color combination of a purple and green body can be found.

I spent a while searching out this clown, until I was able to acquire this one. He is marvelous. I love his graphics and couldn't wait to paint his stripes and star vest. I love the balance of his red stripes and red hands. When I set up this painting, I wanted all the focus and attention on him.  I also wanted to show the playful tension of him trying to balance on top of the blocks. 

I look forward to exploring other paintings with him.

detail

Clowning Around 

available at

Principle Gallery

Alexandria, VA

Pea Escaped the Pod

 

Pea Escaped the Pod

9" x 16"    oil on linen 

Marbles marbles marbles. My love of marbles continues to  grow. I love so many things about them. I love their colors, their swirls, their different sizes. I love how they feel when you are holding a handful of them. The sounds they makes when they roll around in your hand. How they start out cold, then warm up as you hold them. 

My creative side goes crazy when I see  light bounce off of them and through them. Each one having their own unique look. The reflections they cast in their shadows also fascinates me. I can't wait to set them up, stage them, and light them. 

Then. . . . paint them. 

Holding the marbles in the painting.

Pea Escaped the Pod

available at

Principle Gallery 
Alexandria, VA