For several months now, I have been busy in my studio, painting three new works that focus on the art museum experience.

I am intrigued by how people re-act to their surroundings, and how art museums, generally speaking, bring a wonderful sense of calm and reflection to the visitor.

The Women came from a visit to the Getty Museum on a gloriously sunny day in Los Angeles.  One of my favorite viewpoints to paint is looking down from above, and after many intriguing photographs from the balcony/courtyard area of the museum, I found my subject. The progression came easily once I decided on the details.

I wanted a monochromatic calm to permeate the scene.

The branches are meant to entangle and include the two women strolling, Henry Moore’s statue The Seated Woman, and myself as the viewer.

I wanted just enough color to weave the scene together and engage the viewer. The green shirt draws the eye upward to include all the participants in the tableau.

The balance was complete.  The two women bound in a strolling conversation, the Seated Woman, and myself were equally included in the scene.