all that glitters is gold/only shooting stars break the mold

Right at this moment, Teresa is probably deplaning at Logan in order to run the Boston Marathon for the second time on Patriots Day. So it is only fitting that I finished the second painting in my running series within the same timeframe. I enjoy those kinds of parallels.

I listened to a lot of bhangra music while painting this one. I think it helped contribute to the spirit of jubilance and wonder I was working towards. Plus, bhangra's a lot of fun to sing and dance to (even though I have no idea what most of the words mean!)

There were a few surprises with this work. First of all, I expected to have an easier time with it than I did with Burning Bright. I know Teresa very well and have an excellent "visual memory" of her facial features. I figured that would aid me in getting the likeness. It didn't. Her face is very angular and elfin and I struggled. Ultimately, though, it suceeded in its Teresaness.

Secondly, although I did not reference Burning Bright while working on this one (it's called All That Glitters Is Gold/Only Shooting Stars Break The Mold), they formed a dialogue with one another-- a study of the yin and yang of running, if you will. While Burning Bright had a cool negative space and a hot figure-- blues causing frisson with oranges-- Glitters ended up with a hot negative space and a cool figure-- yellows interacting with purples. It's very exciting to me when my id drives color choices that only become apparent to me after the fact. I will definitely take a photograph of the two paintings together before I give them to their owners.

Teresa does not know I'm doing this. It will come with me to school on Tuesday for critique (after which I will make any adjustments I deem fitting as suggested by my peers). Then it will get wrapped up, maybe with a corny bow tied around it, and given to Teresa when she returns triumphant from the marathon. I cannot wait to see her reaction.