One of the things that I love about using chinese materials for painting, is how subtle color shifts, brushstrokes, and tones can carry so much meaning. Unfortunately, subtle is not in high regard in today’s art world, where size and bold color are in vogue. Loud art “experiences” are in vogue. Important artists must work big! A huge Anselm Keifer canvas can put you in the middle of a muddy field. One quote from Alex Katz (the father of a friend) that sticks in my mind, is him describing his work as equally “muscular” when comparing it to other work in museums. What I think he means by muscular, is a bit discouraging to me. Chinese art is often very understated and subtle. I don’t think anybody would describe it as muscular. Interestingly, with the advent of cell phones, many people are observing huge art on tiny screens.

This painting started with the landscape elements. I decided to paint the female figure with very light lines. My hope is that the lightness of the figure will draw people more easily into appreciating the subtle landscape part of the composition.