Playing with Black and White
"Playing with Black and White" is my latest painting. "Playing with Black and White" is a 20" x 16" oil painting on panel that once again is a direct result of a visit to the new home decor store near my home, Why Hello. As I wandered the store, I found myself drawn to the large pairs of wooden dice and began thinking about companion pieces. I quickly found a set of shiny dominoes. I have some older dominoes but I was drawn to the reflections these shiny dominoes would create. I quickly carried my new treasures to the cash register. Once home I began playing with different setups. Since I was dealing with black and white props I pulled out my tried and true black striped paper. So of course I brought out the martini glass to catch those reflections. I had previously purchased a photography glass sphere that shows things upside down that I had planned to have in the center. However it just did not work in the setup much to my dismay although I am sure it will show up in a painting in the near future. I needed something solid in front of the glass. Out came the black 8 ball which I put on the platform that came with the glass sphere. I thought about using the 3 pool ball which is bright red but decided to stay with all black and white. This is quite the change for me as you know how I love bold color. So to create the drama that color usually provides I used a background based on bold zigzags. The zigzag ribbon set up in a pattern created the background that I was seeking. The concept was complete.....now to address the title. First I thought just simple "Black and White" but it had no pizzazz. So I tried out "Black and White Games" but still was not satisfied. Finally laying in bed one night it came to me..."Playing with Black and White" which is a word play for the colors and the fact the stars are game pieces. I love it when everything comes together.
