why chairs?

If you have asked, why chairs, here is what I think:

They are graphic designs. They are architectural. They are sculptural.

They are art in themselves that I did not create, I am just enjoying their beauty. They draw the viewer in to see color, shape and light. The chair draws me into much more than the actual focal point or subject of a chair. Whereas, if I had painted a figure, the viewer may focus on the subject, primarily. But my hope is that the canvas has been activated to lead the viewer around the whole painting. Sometimes there are places I want the viewer to linger, and some places to speed up. There are some places to appreciate the nuances of the colors that are side by side and some places to just rest the eyes. There are marks that lead the viewer down a path and then around the corner and back up to the top.

But back to the subject of chairs...  I see something in the chair that is intriguing, something I want to try to capture. Each chair offers a different feeling or mood that I want to grasp. I enjoy painting mid century modern chairs but not just mid century modern. 

I have a friend who calls this my empty chair series. But I see each chair as full of promise and hope. In many cases, the chairs are inviting the viewer to come and sit, dine, chat, read, think or rest. They suggest here is an opportunity to slow down, ponder, take a moment for yourself. There can be a hint of a conversation already underway. A crowd can be invited to share in a meal. Many paintings invite us to recall days gone by. Some remind us of a relationship or a loved one now only remembered.

In a sense, they are portraits. Maybe they are portraits of the creator or designer. Somehow, whether regal or strong, stiff or relaxed, each seems to have a specific character and dignity. 

What do my chair paintings suggest to you?