Le Grand Jeté

oil on panel, 18" x 18"
SOLD

This narrative painting really put me through my paces.  It proved to be quite a challenge, palette-wise.  I had first determined I wanted a green background but switched my preference after the fact to a cool blue. The process took ages because of the slow drying time of oil paint.  The dancer here is Olga Smirnova, prima ballerina with the Bolshoi, who emigrated to The Netherlands at the outset of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, stating she was "against this war with every fibre of my soul."  I've depicted her here leaping westward over Mt. Elbrus in Russia, toward The Netherlands, her safe haven, where she now dances with the Dutch Royal Ballet.  Also heading west is a sympathetic soul in the white stork, the national bird of Ukraine. The sunflower in her hair has lost a couple petals, but remains vibrant, a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Sunny Outlook

 

oil on panel, 8" x 8"

This painting of a sunflower aptly expresses my mood lately.  Having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, I can now look forward to seeing friends and making plans for a trip later this year.  Sunflowers are symbols of hope, and I am feeling more hopeful and optimistic than I have in quite some time.