DIALOGUE WITH A PAINTING

Fox has been wanting to reappear in one of my paintings, this time in celebration of a supportive community, good health, and friends.  No better way than dancing with his his own friends, was my initial thought.
How quickly I realized Raven had been left out.  Raven seems to have a way of thinking every show is his. 

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​So, I made space for Raven at the bottom.  All he did was watch while his friends danced.  He also felt that a good dance should take place in the moonlight or in a void.  So I put the moon in and that is when Ptarmigan had to fly by to balance things out.

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Fox decided he needed to open his eyes a bit and pay attention to Raven. Owl was a little wary of the dance, trying to keep watch over two tricksters.  But for the rest sheer fun and for me, I could start creating the world of color they would be in.  I love layering pastels into a glowing background. Raven was feeling rather plain and began to complain.

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Not only was he feeling plain which I went right to work on, but Raven began to ask what kind of mischief could he cause.  Fox in the meantime needed to open his eyes more.  So I worked on his eyes, and gave Raven a hint of red in his beak.

The artist in me was beginning to make a bigger story, rocks to reach across.  Raven was irritated.  He scolded me,  "Its all about Fox, isn't it - the color, the big tail, and now you have given him places for his feet.  He is not dancing any longer.  Now he is crossing a stream.  We can have more fun in a void.

​Or, on a sandbar, I thought.  With the Ocean. Raven's voice was loud and clear, "I want some of that red you gave Fox", he demanded. So I let him snatch a piece of red hair from Fox.  Fox's eyes glared with highlights.  I was getting frustrated.  Time to pay attention to the other characters,strengthen their colors, add some highlights. And clean up my act...or the painting.  Maybe Raven didn't stand out.  He got a big lost without any of the red from Fox.  

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So, Raven was given some red  and the void was deepened.  Come on Raven, you have driven the artist crazy on this one, but I have to admit you have a nice red glow to your tail, and Owl approves, although he is still doing his balancing act.  Now all we need is a better photo.  And a word for Raven...I have to admit, your constant chatter made a better painting.