Family Day At The Track

Family Day At The Track

10" x 10"

oil on canvas

These two women at Saratoga National Race Track found a spot in the sun and a moment of quiet while surrounded by their children's things. Their picnic is set up on the table in the shade.

Normally, I would paint this three or four feet wide, but the Saratoga Arts Center is having a show called "10 x 10" only of artworks of this tiny dimension, so I tried it. This is the third one that I am entering in the show. I like the size better than the diminutive 6" x 6" format I've been painting for the daily paintworks movement (see DPW), I can get a cleaner line and the fractured color I favor even in large paintings is easier to execute at this size.

This painting will be on display at the Saratoga Arts summer exhibition, "10 x 10 = 100," Opening Saturday, August 1st, and can be purchased through them, www.saratoga-arts.org. 

Making His Picks
10" x 10"

At Saratoga National Race Course, giant old pines shade most of the paddock, where fans hang out all day, with friends, picnics, and lots to drink. I caught this man alone, basking in the sun, completely focused on the daily racing forms and making his picks. His shirt in the light matched the monitor in the shade. I painted the people in the background with beautifully muted colors and very simple shapes.

This painting will be on display at the Saratoga Arts summer exhibition, "10 x 10 = 100," Opening Saturday, August 1st, and can be purchased through them, www.saratoga-arts.org.