Artists Council, “Casting Shadows” exhibition, May - June 2024
Frame of Reference Fine Art, Whitefish and Big Fork, MT
University of California, Riverside, Palm Desert, CA, Artistic Expressions of the Coachella Valley
Embracing the theme of “Casting Shadows,” an exhibition sponsored by the Artists Council, “Union Pacific” redux infuses a vintage train with a contemporary aesthetic . Rusted bolts were added to integrate texture and give dimension, evoking a weathered aesthetic. The train was discovered on a photoshoot at the Orange Empire Train Museum in Perris, CA sets the stage for authenticity.
At the heart of the composition lies the bold Union Pacific signage, serving as the focal point of the painting. Its faded glory speaks volumes about the passage of time and the enduring legacy of railroads. Color, a cornerstone of the creative process, plays a pivotal role in this piece. The juxtaposition of deep rust against cerulean blue skies and warm yellow ochre foreground evokes a sense of timelessness and nostalgia, while reflecting a contemporary palette.