Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Homage to Ralph Goings

Having delved only slightly into the world of abstraction, I had to return quickly to realism . . . or more specifically, the genre of realism epitomized by Ralph Goings and the mid-20th century "photo realists." Working in watercolors it's a little harder to get the luminosity of glass surfaces typical of a Goings still-life, but I tried. So this is my "homage to Goings," who painted countless still-lifes of condiments and diners. Fans of traditional landscapes, Impressionist musings, or the historical tableaux of a Rembrandt may not appreciate two ketchup (catsup?) bottles and a salt shaker, but to me they're equally art-worthy. Consider them "urban landscapes," which I guess could encompass anything from an architectural landscape of tall buildings to a landscape of condiments in a diner. The bottom line: Goings knew what he was doing.

3 comments:

One Wink at a Time said...

Brian, this is incredibly awesome. I don't think I've ever seen a watercolor that I'd describe as Warholish. I want a whole series to hang in my kitchen on the bricks. You make me want to paint again!

Anonymous said...

The more I look at this watercolor, the more I like it! I didn't think to ask, how do you feel about it?

Tish said...

Oooh, great job! I think my favorite of the series is #2, but this one is next in line! Fabulous!!