Description | Size | Price |
Oil on Panel |
9 x 15.5 in (22.9 x 39.4 cm) | $60,000 |
Giclée Print | 9 x 15.5 in (22.9 x 39.4 cm) | inquire |
Giclée Print: (Artist's Proof) | 9 x 15.5 in (22.9 x 39.4 cm) | inquire |
Custom sizes and formats available contact: rgeoffrey@rgeoffrey.com
"Desert Rules"
"My wife and I were traveling to Arizona along the back
roads of Utah and came upon the most extraordinary scene.
Out in the middle of nowhere in one of the most desolate
stretches of Arizona desert, near the Utah border, we
discovered an abandoned rock house built into an overhanging
bolder. The surrounding area was strewn with huge oddly
shaped rocks and the cliffs behind the house were wreathed
in clouds-stunning! We were captivated! I took 50 or so
photos form every angle. I definitely wanted to paint this
scene!
I decided on a small piece and did very tight
detail work to capture the textures and colors. There was
nothing alive in the area except some brownish bushes here
and there. I decided the piece needed some life in it, so I
experimented with various creatures, snakes, lizards even
gila monsters. Nothing seemed to fit. Since I wanted to sell
the image I also decided that whatever "life form" I added
must be not only indigenous but also not-too-yucky to hang
in someone's house. Since snakes, lizards and such are kind
of yucky, I had to come up with something else. My niece and
I were bouncing ideas around and she mentioned a bird shadow
and it immediately clicked with me. No actual living
creature, just the shadow of a predator! Edgy but not yucky
- rich with symbolism-perfect for my painting. In 2010, I
created a companion piece to "Desert Rules" entitled
"What's Left" which expands
the view of the Rock House and surrounding area."
R. Geoffrey Blackburn