I envisioned this piece as a close-up of boisterous Mardi Gras crowd along a parade route. It is still that but there has been an evolution to a more ambiguous celebration. Beads, doubloons, trinkets and other ephemera were intentionally omitted. Initially, I thought it would be quite New Orleans specific but I also opted to omit the traditional colors of a Crescent City carnival altogether. I do enjoy painting the dark brown skin tones as they blend so beautifully. And I am very satisfied with the overall color palette that I have chosen. Despite numerous outside deadlines and commitments, this one moves inexorably (if slowly) toward completion. My resolve has most certainly resulted in a noted lack of sleep.
“To paint is to love again” – Henry Miller
“To live is to fly” – Townes Van Zandt