Sunday, January 27, 2008

Queen Anne Shanty-Home of the Happy Medium














Okay here's the story. When I was a kid this was the house of a local "entertainer". By day she read taro cards and tea leaves. She stopped short of gazing into her crystal ball, but she did mount a glass float on her roof, a symbol of her trade I suppose. The interesting thing about the float was that she had figured out how to light it up with a red glow. It had to be kerosene or candles because there was no power. So I guess her income generation program involved extended hours. She didn't close day or night. It was near the beach, a shanty with log "ginger bread" details and pretentions to a Queen Anne Style. Another comical aspect was that because the shack had no foundation it was sinking so you had to stoop to get in so it kinda looked like a hobbit house. This is my idea sketch, just a doodle, the trees are too red, the spot of light leads your eye out of the picture etc...I am collecting ideas-painting on scraps just gaining momentum. __________________

26 comments:

Holly Lombardo said...

I like it!..and I like the story behind it too. I lived in Maine, and there was an old chicken coop/barn with a small shanty next to it; we made up stories that the bones we found (obviously small and chicken-like) were from the kids that the crazy farmer caught!.... I like how the grasses part and lead me to the front door of your painting!

About said...

A witch by day, a madam by night...wonderful story, fabulous house. Loving these ideas you're sharing with us...looking forward to seeing what's next!
Happy painting!!

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Holly, just some silliness on a cold afternoon.

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Tracy, I couldn't help myself.

BoneDaddy said...

I like it, it looks like it's daring m to enter.

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Grimm, it is, but if you are brave enough...

DarkWing said...

yeah, it does seem to be daring me to come in. I really like these buildings. I can't word why but another one I just enjoy staring at (i almost said out instead of at :p)

Clive said...

You mean that story isn't true...?

Beautiful little piece though, Ron.

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks N.N.,"shacks of the coast" with dopey stories...I'm on it.

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Clive, not true, why how could you say that?

Michelle said...

What a funny story about the house. It looks great. I hate to sound like a broken record here, but your use of color is always so nice. I like the red in the trees.

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Michelle, the colour issue is interesting as I find myself less colourful in my dotage. Or differently coloured or colour challenged or...I appreciate your appreciation.

Joan said...

Ron, Your stories to go with your paintings are great! I enjoy them and they make me search your paintings even closer.

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Joan, I probably should have done more stories earlier on, but its just fun and I will try produce more information about the stuff I make up ...hee heee.

About said...

I didn't read the whole title the last time...the happy medium...gave me a good giggle after a loooooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg day at work!!!!

William K. Moore said...

Great prelim Ron. Always pays off if time permits to have a planning stage. Looks like you are headed to a well constructed piece. Your architecture component is believable - this is a problem for many painters but you have a real feel for it.

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks W.K., just want to retain some of the whimsy of the thing its not entirely serious.

Cara said...

I absolutely love this picture and the story behind it...

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Cara, a little Hugh Moore.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for visiting my profile!! it was really appreciated, seeing someone i had linked there visited me :) and lovely piece of art!!!!

Deb said...

Hi Ron,
You know I love this piece! It really stirs my imagination ( and boy do I need that).

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Jael, I think that these blogs are an amazing thing. Glad you stopped by.

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Debi, why don't you do something on your blog-it looks good.

Deb said...

Oh Ron..........I haven't kept up with it. I got discouraged and quit painting for a long while, and figured no one wants to look a beginner stuff anyway.

I'm taking a break from PD for a few days (or longer). You can always pm me at WC, k?

Madison Moore said...

Wow...it's about time we are seeing back in the gallery. You know how much I love this painting, the story and all the wonderful detail. Great job!

Ron Morrison said...

Thanks Madison, I think I will do more of this because its fun to just paint and then concoct a story.