Saturday, June 2, 2007

Manzanita [&the Flecktones]

California Landscape Art, Larry Darnell, Manzanita, Sierra Nevada Mountain art
Manzanita tree from an original digital photograph taken by the artist near Avilla Beach in coastal Central California. Presently my works are painterly realistic landscape images based on my original photographs. I call this particular aspect of my creative works "California Landscape Art."

Two things attracted me to this subject. The first is the Manzanita's compositional strength: variable-weight white, grey and red line [branches] all moving to/from a central trunk. The other is the interplay of light, shadow and color. These natural components all create an interesting visual rhythm and counterpoint in the image.

The subtitle, & the Flecktones, refers to the musical group, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, extraordinary musicians who make very interesting eclectic improvisational music based on classical, traditional bluegrass and jazz. One of the fundamental structures of musical improvisation is variations on a theme. This image of a central trunk with multiple limbs reminded me of this musical treat in general, and the Flecktones in particular. Take a listen and see if it works for you.

The subset of this particular style is watercolor. Others include Japanese style prints, oil painting, dry brush, pointillism and serigraphic.

This matted images is 12.5 x 17.5 inches, one of an edition of only 5 prints, on Museo paper, MIS Archival inks, printed, signed and numbered by the artist.

This image is the subject of my June 2007 promotional postcard. If you'd like one, they are available at my website in the CARDS section. If you would like, I'll send you one, just send me an email request with your mailing address.