Bay Area Inspired Series
Fog
Pacific Ocean
Golden Gate
Bay Area Inspired Series
Fog | Pacific Ocean | Golden Gate Bridge
My recent series is inspired by the Bay Area. I have recreated in abstract form the dynamic forces of the monumental Golden Gate Bridge, with its distinct international orange paint color, the cool and heavy marine layer of fog that rolls into the hills of San Francisco and the turbulent and calming blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Translating these energies in raw form, I feed the canvas with paint, dyes, metal leaf, enamel and modeling paste, utilizing color with shades of dark and light. In turn, the completed work expresses this dynamic force, inviting the viewer to receive the energy if they choose to.
Golden Gate Bridge
When the steel for the Golden Gate Bridge was fabricated by Bethlehem Steel at its foundries, the steel was coated with a red lead primer. As the bridge towers began to rise for the Golden Gate Bridge, consulting architect Irving F. Morrow was commuting to the construction site from his home in the East Bay via ferry. He became inspired by the red lead color. Morrow undertook color studies, which resulted in the specification of the unique Golden Gate Bridge International Orange because it blended well with the nearby hills and contrasted with the ocean and sky. (Excerpt from goldengatebridge.org)
“I’m inspired by this distinct orange color and the majestic scale and design of the Golden Gate Bridge. This series of paintings is my abstract representation of the monumental force that the Golden Gate Bridge exudes.”
Titan / Golden Gate Bridge / 48” x 48” acrylic, enamel and foil leaf on canvas
Pacific Fog
Fog is a complex atmospheric phenomenon. It is a visible mass consisting of cloud water droplets or ice crystals that are suspended in the air at or near the Earth’s surface. Fog can be considered a type of low-lying cloud, and it is heavily influenced by nearby bodies of water, topography, wind conditions, and even human activities. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
“Fog has so many sensations and moods. At first, I am attracted to the dark, dense early morning fog that is heavy with water. And then I welcome its iridescent, almost silver, light as it begins to lift and burn off, welcoming the warm rays of the sun. I created the colors and moods in these paintings with paint, enamel and foil leaf.”
Rouse / Pacific Fog / 12” x 12” acrylic, enamel and foil leaf on wood panel
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest ocean. It covers about 46% of the Earth’s water surface and about one-third of its total surface area, making it larger than all of the Earth’s land area combined. The Pacific Ocean’s name was coined by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan during his circumnavigation of the world in 1521. As he encountered favorable winds on reaching the ocean, he called these waters Mar Pacifico, which is Portuguese for “peaceful sea.” (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
“I find the Pacific Ocean both calming and turbulent; I’m drawn to all of its energies. It displays a range of colors: from indigo and dark teal at its depth to bright turquoise and blue when the waves are cresting. Its colors and force of nature are captivating to me.”
Pacific Sea Foam / 30” x 30” acrylic on raw linen
