Situations... where perhaps ... "less says enough... or more

The subject matter in this first canvas in my project is likely one that you might be acquainted with. It represents basic elements of the favorite two player card game cribbage. If you are familiar with how the game is basically played and scored, then you have been further information about my goal in choosing this subject.

Upon looking more closely, you might notice that some parts of the canvas remain unfinished. While looking it over in my studio one evening, I realized that what was missing... or the state of finish did not in any way add to... or take away from the visual strength of the work at this particular point in the process. Did "finish" then... truly matter... or was it even necessary?

I wonder????

Looking a bit deeper at the canvas, I was suddenly drawn to a totally unexpected and unintended fact. Some objects in the painting appeared to be free-floating in space. The cribbage board "appeared"... to hover above hand of cards. Why?

Closer inspection offered the possibility that this illusion was brought about... or heightened by my choice of black as the ground and in conjunction with the bright, crisp color and edges... an illusion of space... distance or separation was created.

After some more thought (and waiting) I began searching for ways to further perpetuate the "illusion" aspect of the next panel. The goal for the project then shifted away from one which focussed upon "high" realism/... to one that might visually play with the viewer's eye and imagination.

'Putting Your Game Face On'

The next game focus that I have chosen is one that my own family... and most likely yours wiled away countless lazy summer hours every evening together around the dining table."Cooperative gaming" - Joyful... exciting and with no cost to join in the fun. Taking turns and "imagineering" the control of wealth and property ownership... taking risks. Remember???

"Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day,
We'd live the life we'd choose
We'd fight and never lose...
For we were young and sure to have our day."

The "illusion effect" is not quite so obvious here at this point in the image. Light and shade can assist in that "magic"... as opposed to slavishly getting caught up in detail and accuracy. Certainly a work still in progress. Stay tuned... I'll come back later.