20 x 16", Oil on Linen, 2013. Sold.
My model for this painting is Rachel. She is wearing a costume from Houston Ballet's "Swan Lake." The subject is strongly backlit, giving the impression that this dancer is in the wings preparing for her time on stage by tying the satin ribbon of her point shoes into a tight knot. The elegant gesture of her arms and hands are meant to convey the grace of her profession.
As Rachel held this pose, there materialized an ease in her expression and posture, and an intensity in the rigid muscles of her left arm and back. These factors create a pleasant tension-of-opposites that contribute to the visual story-telling of the life of a dancer. This painting was chosen as a finalist in the Raymar Art, Painting Competition (7th Annual Competition Month #6 - July 2013).