Name: Rusty Harden
Location: USA
Title: “The Ringmaster”
Price Original: $250 (Prints Available)
Size:: 5”x 5.5”
Medium: Watercolor
Artist web site:
http://www.abrushwithrusty.com/
http://www.rustyharden.blogspot.com/
From Rusty: In the movie, the ringmaster dignified others. A dignified person will find their own gift. This watercolor was painted for the challenge and was inspired by a local gallery owner who’s own dreams and aspirations include the lifting up of others. Over a glass of wine, his wife said that before they were married she felt privileged to have just been his friend. This piece is now part of “The Fallen” series..
20 responses so far ↓
1 vikki // Jan 30, 2010 at 9:01 pm
LOVE THE SYMBOLISM. My eye immediately goes to the ring at the top. It absolutely brings dignity and commands attention to study the scene further.
2 vikki // Jan 30, 2010 at 9:02 pm
wanted to add-
One of the luxuries I have is seeing many of these works as large jpgs when people initially email their submissions. The 3 dimensionality and depth you’ve achieved is really outstanding. Love the palette of subtle values interrupted by the bright yellow leaf. Really nice work.
3 WILLIAM MALTESE // Jan 30, 2010 at 11:41 pm
I’m always delighted to see a new painting of yours, this one so chockablock with symbolism that I can sit for wondrously long minutes and just mull each item and wonder the “why” of it being what it is, where it is. I love the way you’ve manipulated this to fit the theme, and I appreciate how you’ve managed to reproduce nature as well as Mother Nature does.
4 Ray Shuell // Jan 31, 2010 at 6:45 am
Depth and composition, subtle relationships between shape and tone, depth and feeling – this has it all. I do like watercolor as a medium, this painting has done it proud. Keep up the good work!
5 Candle Artist Jfay // Jan 31, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Very stunning Rusty — Heartfelt and lovely.
6 Rusty // Feb 1, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Thank you all. This series has been closer to my heart than all others before it. I believe the stories of each painting has come at a time when my skill to paint them could rise to the occasion.
I did give thought and attention to symbolic meaning in most key elements of the painting. In the upper right corner, the curled leaf represents a cocoon.
I was really inspired with this challenge.
Thank you. I am so honored to be a part of this group of talented, provcative artists.
7 vikki // Feb 1, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Wanted to mention also- one of the elements that my eye keeps coming back to is the little broken acorn cap on the left and the one that’s shedding it’s shell on the right. I adore that kind of detail.
8 Gail // Feb 2, 2010 at 5:12 pm
The allure of the depth and symbolism in this is marvelous. The way the ring stands out amongst all the natural elements and the reflection in the broken acorn cap are what draw my eye into the painting. Your comment on the curled leaf as a cocoon adds even more intrigue.
9 Lauren Everett Finn // Feb 2, 2010 at 6:22 pm
I could look at this for a long long time. Just terrific… thought provoking and esoteric.
10 fanny christian // Feb 3, 2010 at 4:30 am
I can’t believe this is only 5″ – there is so much packed into it. Beautiful. I love the colours.
11 Sonya Meglaurel // Feb 3, 2010 at 8:32 am
Rusty, nothing prepares one for the intricate passages you develop within your work. The shapes the careful detail of treasures. You know I think this is one of your best to date!
12 Sarah // Feb 3, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Rusty, I feel like the yellow leaf is holding a wonderful secret…
13 Rusty // Feb 3, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Sarah,
I know but the yellow leaf said I wasn’t ready to learn its secret yet. I have further to travel in my journey, I guess.
14 Rusty // Feb 3, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Gail, that acorn is me, I am the one telling the story so I am facing up. The acorns are the individuals (sort of satellites) who become the performers in our circus here, each imperfect and beautiful. For me, they each have a name.
15 Rusty // Feb 3, 2010 at 4:56 pm
fanny,
I deviated from my usual pallet. I wanted a subtle majestic color influencing the troupe.
16 Rusty // Feb 3, 2010 at 5:02 pm
lauren,
I hadn’t thought of it before but now that you mention it because I used the symbolism to represent actual people it is esoterical. When I share the concept with those individuals they fully understand the story.
What insight you have.
17 Rusty // Feb 3, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Sonya,
Since you have seen so many of my works I accept the honor of calling this one the best (until the next best one because I keep practicing and one of these days I really will have a “best” one). Thanks my friend.
18 Sonya Meglaurel // Feb 5, 2010 at 8:52 am
AW dear marioNetette; not the work dictate “who you are” but canvas yet what YOU are. Within these canvases is a spirit of Beauty to behold!
Declare you do I as well dear sister~
19 Sonya Meglaurel // Feb 5, 2010 at 8:53 am
and……..mystery (smile)
20 Linda Apple // Feb 12, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Hey Rusty, Want to thank you for commenting on my “butterfly challenge” painting……I just found these pages to comment….Duh, It takes me a while!
anyway, love your piece…could be a very interesting series!
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