Rapt Romance

Oil on linen, 24x18

SOLD 

There was a romantic idea behind this painting.   I tried to create a lighting effect that would allow the woman's face to be mostly in shadow, illuminated instead by the bounce-light of her book.   My artistic challenge in the face was turning form with temperature changes and keeping the value level fairly consistent.   I wanted the light to communicate the thought that her whole present world was just her and the story that she's reading.   Her slightly disheveled and breathless look is meant to add to the idea of romantic involvement.   She is oblivious to her surroundings and delighted, and my ultimate hope is that you will be drawn into her world.

This painting was selected to show in the 85th Grand National Exhibition in NYC by the American Artist's Professional League in 2013, where it won the Dianne Rudy Memorial Award.