Look Closer

Because this one-of-a-kind piece is highly textured, the images below may show faint "hot spots" caused by light reflecting off the peaks of paint. Additional scans are available on request.

The words read: When the snow falls some people see only white. Look closer. Pay attention.

This is such an unusual little gem. With so many surprises. Look Closer has words in two places. First, there is this sentence, "When the snow falls some people see only white." And then below that, are two simple sentences that read, "Look closer. Pay attention." As an artist, I am used to seeing the colors that hide everywhere. I am used to seeing the world as a multi-layered, amazing miraculous mess. But it took me many many years to understand how moving and important the complications of life can be. I am still dazzled by the unexpected details that I pick up here and there when I am actually paying attention. And those details are what make life livable for me. They are the proof I need in order to accept that this world makes sense on some deep unknowable level.

Grass is never just green. The sky is never just blue. Snow is never just white. And people are never just good or bad or ugly or beautiful. The subtle colors lurking just below the surface are the details that keep life interesting. And this painting is just filled with lurking tidbits of color!

I am hopeful this seemingly simple scene will bring you comfort and compassion as you examine your own mostly hidden details.

How Look Closer was created..... Once the black gesso primer dried, I used palette knives to apply all sorts of wild colors and create a bold, vibrant, textured expressionist piece. Then I used dental tools to engrave the lines. After the underpainting dried, I used palette knives, a butter knife, an ice-scraper, brushes, a soft cloth and my fingers to layer softer colors and neutral tones atop that first layer. Sometimes I waited for layers underneath to dry before adding the next layer, sometimes I allowed colors to blend a bit. Finally, I used tiny detail brushes to add the words and to paint the snowman scene.

Look Closer was painted on a rigid canvas panel. This piece can be easily and affordably framed as it requires no glass or matting. Or it can be displayed on a small stand or decorative easel. The sides of the panel have been painted and it looks lovely displayed as it is, without framing. (I will include a small clear plastic stand with this original painting at no charge if your request one. It is a simple little stand that has a low-profile and allows you to focus on the painting.)