I formed the vision of a series of paintings depicting the life of a pear family. The first painting was a single green pear representing the male. Painting number two was a single yellow pear representing the female and three was the two pears together in marriage. As the family grew, paintings number three through eight added additional pears for the children and grandchildren. Painting number nine depicted the two pears together again a little fatter and alone after the family has grown; the Bartletts rolled out of the “pearscape” so to speak. The last painting, ten, I revealed the mother, fatter and sadder.
The original plan encompassed only the ten paintings. When these works were greeted with such acceptance, I began more pear paintings emphasizing, the odd shapes and colors, trying to keep the works simple, focusing on the pears. I love rich colors, texture and dramatic shadows. I found I was able to achieve these objectives in the pears. Originally I used pear models. Having become absorbed by pear personalities I now work from sketches. However, once I start a painting, the sketch only becomes a starting point. The work seems to grow as the painting develops.
The works are in both pastels and oils. Often, I will paint in pastel to evaluate my idea and then complete an oil painting using the pastel work as a guide. My pears are numbered so the family that “adopts” them can name them if they desire.
In addition to the pears, I paint landscapes and other still life. The pears, although not my sole focus, will continue to be an essential part of my art.
