PAINTING > line designs

Briana
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2007
Dog
acrylic on canvas
24" x 24"
2006
$200
John
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2007
Gracie
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2007
Worms
acrylic on canvas
48" x 36"
2007
Poya
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2006
Fortino
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2005
Fly Trap
acrylic on canvas
36" x 36"
2006
$225
Man With Hat
acrylic on canvas
24" x 24"
2010
Airplane
acrylic on canvas
36" x 24"
2006
$200
Car
acrylic on canvas
48" x 24"
2006
$200
Jose
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2006
$200
Erin
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2006
$275
Penguin
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2006
$200
Demon 1
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2006
$200
Demon 2
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2006
$200
Demon 3
acrylic on canvas
24" x 30"
2006
$175
Ivonne
acrylic on canvas
24" x 30"
2006
$175
Lizard
acrylic on canvas
36" x 24"
2006
Andy
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2006
$200
Wagon
acrylic on canvas
48" x 36"
2008
$250
untitled
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36"
2006
$150
Let There Be Color
acrylic on canvas
24" x 36" (x3)
2010

Over the last several years I have been so intrigued by the students I work with who have special needs. I am fascinated by the way their minds work, process and operate so differently than what might be considered normal.

This series includes images inspired by their original artwork. The paintings have a crisp, structured, colorfully striped background. Each color is mixed for a specific single stripe and then altered for use somewhere else. Each background displays the careful and intentional precision of an artist. The colorless line drawings that wind their way across the top of this rigid process are completely opposite. They are whimsical, carefree and fun, without regard for proportion, art rules or organization… a refreshing freedom from guidelines and structure.

The juxtaposition between the two parts is fun and playful, but behind that delight is a deeper issue. When people see the work, they often identify with a color or two and are drawn in by the fun, playful line drawing. The pleasant fusion of those opposites allow the viewer to connect to another reality. We all have our moments of seeing things differently, of communicating in ways that others don’t expect or even understand. We can all identify at some point with being the wrong fit in a world full of boundaries. Who of us does not have our own special needs?

(Shown at Wisdom Café and Gallery, Nevada City, CA May 2007)