Divine Grace

Mr. and Mrs. Mac, woodpile, South Africa

   I was so moved by the tragedy that occurred last spring in Susanna's garden, I had to paint the tale's very happy ending Su sent to me a short time later.  This is Divine Grace at work.

You'll have to read the whole post and comments to understand what happened.

Su's words: "...Out of that tragedy, something rather profound emerged.
One of the eekers, McGyver who is a master escapist (names are important) was released from the cage the day before as he was bullying the others.
Hence his freedom and escape from torture. Iona clearly got you have more chance of surviving if you have freedom of movement.

Anyway Mac lived in the stickpile in the garden, with the rabbit and the chicken but was alone. A friend came to visit with the most beautiful lady, black and spikey - name Mrs Mac and they are chirruping in delight in the autumn sunlight. ..."

Barcelona - Image of the periphery

The grey post-war years before the formation of the metropolis

 

"An outlying neighborhood in the post-war years." 
From Joan Busquets' and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design's tome BARCELONA, the urban evolution of a compact city. VII.1 Autocracy, reconstruction and shantytowns.

I am drawn, passionately, to shantytowns, their charming colors, their patchwork construction and especially to the people who build their lives and communities from practically nothing.  I was inextricably driven to paint it.

The beginning... 12" x 16", No.2 lead pencil on Arches

Moving Day

Dog in the Pattern, 12" x 16" watercolor inks on Arches

It was impossible to make sense out of everyone running around packing up the entire household and burly strangers barging in and out, hauling away her whole happy dog life into waiting trucks.  It was bad enough every summer when the suitcases came out, but this was outrageous, incomprehensible!

But today was different, everyone was busy, frantic, excited, looking forward to something apparently wonderful and including her in the activity wherever possible.

She chose to take a wait and see approach. Yet, still, there were moments ...