In Focus

Blues II
Oil on Canvas
56” x 29”

This painting grew from drawings done in the blind contour style. Several poses from a model were used as reference in developing the idea. As the painting progressed, this idea revealed itself. The space was developed through the use of branches brought into the studio to help visualize how the lines and atmosphere would work with the primary figure. The musician took on personality and a stage presence, but it was missing something. The second figure emerged, apart from but reliant on the dominant first figure. The painting became an allusion to creativity, the mystery of the process and people. Blues and jazz became the music I heard as the painting led me through to its’ conclusion. I connected with the figures, while also embracing the energy and power of each brush stroke. Through this, mystery, creativity, indeed the blues revealed itself on the canvas.

Barbara Breimhurst Jones