Twisting the Hellish Mouth

Another work in progress… learning how to work on several pieces at the same time. In reworking an older painting… by layering cool dark, indigo pigment over yellow and red ground with umber gestures, I’m using a layer of underpainting white to bring in luminosity, and build up the body of paint and the painting. I went to a funeral of a beloved member of my extended family this morning on zoom, and was reminded of what I love about the Greek Orthodox Church. The glowing icons and frescos on the walls, the candlelight, and the chanting, cacophonous to the Western ear. Also the sense or the desire that there is something deeper in the spirit, and that there is a push/pull with traditional and contemporary culture.